| Original Message: Thanks, RM |
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I use Google Translate to read Chinese websites about cloisonne, and of course the computer translation can be a bit rocky.
Your explanation of shao lan explains why the process of heating in a kiln to melt the enamel is often translated as "bluing." Certain other terms also get mysteriously translated as "fetal copper," "tires," "silk" - it's fun tracking down the specific characters and learning about the clusters of meanings they can possess. Not so fun has been reading about what went on in China during the 150 years from 1830 to 1980. Tragedies beyond imagination. I'd say the average American citizen has about zero knowledge of this appalling history. The fact that artisans managed to continue producing traditional crafts during these decades is just plain incredible. The Chinese seem to have preserved cloisonne craftsmanship despite all odds against them, and are the only ones to keep making attractive cloisonne beads. All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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