Rarity, Value, and Artistry: The Enigmatic World of Jingtailan Cloisonne Enamelware

Durant Guild

July 4th, 2023

For many aficionados of collectibles, Jingtlan, or Chinese cloisonne enamelware, is a cherished piece that holds immense value for collectors. It is not merely an esteemed investment but also one of China's precious cultural treasures due to its exquisite use of expensive materials, unparalleled craftsmanship, and rarity.

Renowned collector Ma Weidu highlighted on a television program how Jingtlan is exceedingly rare, mostly confined within the walls of the Palace Museum where it seldom comes into public view. Among these rarities are examples such as an imperial Qianlong era wine cup made during the Qing Dynasty reign, an exquisite cloisonne cup plate from the Xuande regime of the Ming Dynasty, and others.

As a symbol of imperial artistry reserved for royalty throughout history, Jingtlan was the vessel of choice for royal accolades. This distinctive Chinese art form emerged during the Jingt period of the Ming Dynasty, also known colloquially as “copper-based cloisonne,” has transced its historical context and carries an auspicious connotation today.

The exquisite craftsmanship behind Jingtlan is unparalleled worldwide, as attested to by late Qing Dynasty poets. It typically features costly materials like copper or sometimes goldsilver bases, with enamels made of minerals and precious stones. The production cost for such pieces exceeds that of comparable porceln items due to the extensive use of gold in gilding.

However, the manufacturing process is exceptionally complexa centuries-old practice demanding meticulous handcrafting as production is unfeasible. This process includes multiple steps like design, base making, wire weaving, bonding, enamel application, firing, polishing, and gilding; hence, a kiln can only produce one piece at a time leading to a very limited output.

Consequently, every Jingtlan piece represents the dedication and craftsmanship of artisans, fully deserving its title as a cultural treasure. Its unique artistic value and scarcity have resulted in record-breaking auction prices in recent years.

According to Christie's Hong Kong data, a cloisonne box dating back to the Ming Dynasty Xuande period fetched HKD 10.57 million in 2002. In 2005, a Qing Dynasty Kangxi era cloisonne brush contner sold for HKD 11.40 million.

The most remarkable event was Christie's Hong Kong autumn auction of 2010 when a pr of cloisonne incense burners made for Emperor Yongzheng commanded an astonishing HKD 129.5 million, setting a new world record for cloisonne auctions at that time.

Meanwhile, the highest single-piece price was clmed by a cubic cloisonne contner made for Qing Dynasty's Emperor Qianlong which sold for CNY 550,000 during the SUNGARI autumn auction in 2002. It was later resold for CNY 1.90 million 3.5 times its original price three years later, further emphasizing the market value of Jingtlan and the global obsession of collectors.

Nevertheless, amidst its immense popularity among enthusiasts, it remns an irreplaceable cultural treasure of China.

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