A new exhibition at Beijing's Yongyuan Center reveals the development of cloisonné art in China through the works of late artist Qian Meihua and her apprentices.  

Foreign officials add color to Qian's Ode to Peace Mirror. Photo: Courtesy of Song Yanchao

Originally only affordable by the royal families and high officials of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, cloisonné slowly expanded among the common folk during the 19th century. 

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Qian worked on promoting the art form, creating numerous cloisonné works that were chosen to be given as national gifts to foreign leaders.

The exhibits include some examples of these national gifts such as the Ode to Peace Plate and the Dunhuang Feitian Plate. 

Additionally, Qian's Ode to Peace Mirror and Eight Horses Bottle by her two apprentices were used as part of events to pay tribute to the 600th anniversary of Forbidden City in 2020.