Enamel

called by Chinese fa Ian IMG:p177_4.png:Chinese characters IS a vitreous glaze fused to a metallic surface. The name fa Ian is said by some to mean Frank or B'rance. The Chinese ascribe the introduction of the art to the Arabs, but some authorities believe it also came overland. The time appears to have been in the Yiian dynasty. There are three kinds of enamel-work — cloisonne enamels, (see Cloisonne), champleve, and painted enamels. In champleve enamels the cell walls inclosing the enamel colours are actually imbedded in the metal foundation. Painted enamels on copper are usually known as yang tz'u IMG:p177_5.png:Chinese characters foreign porcelain; those on porcelain are called yang ts'ai IMG:p177_6.png:Chinese characters (The first Chinese painted enamels were copies of foreign enamels and of foreign porcelain). Painted Cantonese enamel was made for the Persian, Siamese and Armenian market. No important copper painted enamels have been made since the Ch'ien Lung period. BuSHELL: Chinese Art.