The technique of painting enamels onto metal was introduced to China from Europe in the early 18^th century. Production was encouraged by the Kangxi emperor (1661-1772), who in 1719 enlisted the French Jesuit missionary, Jean-Baptiste Gravereau, to train local artisans. The colours used to paint with enamels were mostly imported from Europe and contemporary sources indicate that the Chinese had considerable difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply.

Enamelled vessels for court use were made in specialised workshops inside the Forbidden City, while those for the local market or export were produced in private workshops in Canton (Guangzhou). In China, these enamelled pieces are sometimes referred to as ‘foreign porcelains’ and in the West they are often called ‘Canton’ enamels.

This water pot was not made for imperial use, but it nonetheless shows the high quality of Chinese enamel work in the 18^th century. While it may have been intended for export, the delicately painted lakes and mountains are in traditional Chinese style. Similar expansive landscape scenes are a particular feature of Yongzheng (1722-1735) porcelain.

Provenance: John Sparks Ltd., London, 1981; accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum.

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2