The technique of firing colorful enamels on copperwares, an art form that was developed near Limoges, France around CE 1470, was first introduced to Cantonese artisans by French Missionaries or merchants sometime in the Ming Dynasty (CE 1368 to 1644.) Canton was located on the estuary of the Pearl River, it was the major seaport of the southern sea routes. The Cantonese craftsmen perfected this technique and Cantonese enamels were sent as Tribute Goods to the Qianlong Emperor in the 18 century.
Cantonese enamels are constructed on copper covered with a background layer of white enamel and fired, afterwards brightly painted enamels designs are painted on the surfaces.
This small ink box is made in the same way, the design painted on the plain white enamel background. The central figure of a lady dressed in traditional Ming Dynasty garments stands silhoutted against a background of mountain cliffs, trees and craggy rocks. It appears she is carrying a fishing pole, not quite a traditional pastime for a lady. But this is an ink box for a scholar, and fishing is an acceptable activity when one can contemplate nature while being challenged by waiting for a fish to come to the lures. On the outer rim of the cover and the sides of the base are finely painted designs of floral scrolls surrounding the oval cartouches painted with a series of flowers. The round foot rim is left plain. Oxidation has tarnished the exposed copper and can be cleaned if the next owner so desires. The ink box is intended to hold a pad of red cinnabar color for use with the stone seals.
Dating: late 19 century
Dimensions: 2 1/4 inch in diameter, 3/4 inch high
Condition: good antique condition with tarnished metal rims. There are small pittings on the foot, a natural result of the enameling process.