Fired Enamel Painting

Halcyon Origin - Dragon

 

Two Key Features of Enamel: Vivid, Immortal Colors and Hellish Difficulty

Enamel micro-painting varies in presentation, aesthetic pursuit, and production methods between the East and West, yet two things remain constant: its works are considered extremely precious artistic treasures due to their bright, rich, and delicate colors, and the making process is notoriously difficult and demanding, resembling a veritable descent into hell.

The Enormous Challenges of Firing Enamel

Grueling Production Process: One Color, One Firing

Enamel pigments must be fired at precise temperatures to achieve the desired color. For example, a red pigment will turn gray if fired at too high a temperature, or green if fired at too low a temperature. Creating an enamel micro-painting requires multiple firings at different temperatures, ranging from over a thousand degrees to just a few hundred degrees. Each firing carries the risk of breaking, cracking, or blistering; any fragmentation means that the artist's hours of concentration, inspiration, and labor are wasted. It is heart-wrenching to see a piece, into which one has poured their life, go up in flames. The pigment must be applied multiple times to achieve the "gradual change" effect.

The pigment has to be applied multitimes to achieve the "graduate change"

The Differences and Challenges of Enamel on Porcelain Compared to Regular Enamel

Regular enamel is applied to copper sheets, and since copper's melting point is around 800 degrees Celsius, the firing temperature for enameling on copper must also stay below 800 degrees. This limitation restricts the use of many delicate enamel colors.

However, enamel on porcelain, being able to withstand high temperatures of over 1300 degrees Celsius, allows for more refined colors. The challenge lies in the fact that while porcelain can endure high temperatures, it cannot handle rapid temperature changes. Therefore, the firing process for enamel on porcelain must involve slow heating and cooling. Compared to the 2-3 hours typically required for heating and cooling enamel on copper, enamel on porcelain requires at least a full 24 hours.

As a result, an enamel on porcelain work often takes about 10 days or even longer to complete, in stark contrast to the one or two days needed for a regular enamel painting. During this time, the artist must exert tremendous effort and dedication.

The Stunning Encounter of Porcelain and Enamel - Falangcai

Fortunately, all this effort is worth it. This is a stunning encounter. The warm and glossy texture of porcelain complements and highlights the intricate and colorful enamel paintings, making them richer and more layered, captivating the viewer's gaze. The gorgeous and exquisite enamel also enhances the elegance and grace of the porcelain. Therefore, despite originating from Western enamel techniques, Falangcai became even more sought after by European royals and nobles. They believed that Falangcai represents a superior form of beauty.