Editor's Note:

Throughout the long history of Hainan, different cultural treasures have emerged in many parts of the island. This series, titled ‘Rebirth of Cultural Relics’, will systematically sort through these ancient wonders, delve deeply into the stories and meanings behind them, and bring them back to life as more and more people begin to understand what makes them so special.

What was this beautiful “conch” doing on the desk of an ancient intellectual? In this edition of “Rebirth of Relics,” let’s learn more about this Qianlong period (1711-1799) conch-design silver-blue cloisonne water vessel.

Background

Hello, everyone! I am a Qianlong period conch-design silver-blue cloisonne water vessel. I was born in Hainan and later made my new home in the Palace Museum. Blue, white, and very lifelike...I am so good-looking that I am called the “fifth treasure” of the study. I was as indispensable to ancient literati as brushes, inksticks, paper, and inkstone.

Conchal charm for classy desk setups

This beautiful “conch” is a Qianlong period conch-design silver-blue cloisonne water vessel produced in Hainan and held by the Palace Museum in Beijing.

The vessel, which sits on a copper base, is 9 cm wide at the mouth, 7 cm wide at the base, and has a height of 11.5 cm. The shape of the conch imitates that of a natural one, with a bright and vivid silver-blue color. The design features rolling waves lifting the conch out of the sea.

What was its purpose? Brushes, inksticks, paper, and inkstones are known as China’s “Four Treasures of the Study.” The ink was ground on the inkstone from the inkstick using water, so a handy water supply was needed. The container which held this water is often called the “fifth treasure” of the study.

This water vessel went on display at the Hainan Museum on May 18. However, due to equipment maintenance, the exhibition is currently temporarily closed. Visitors who want to see the real thing should keep an eye on the Hainan Museum website to check when it will reopen.

Bluer than sea or sky: outstanding craftsmanship

“Silver-blue cloisonne” is an offshoot of the cloisonne process.

This technique involved etching out patterns on silverware and then filling in the pattern with a blue enamel glaze. After multiple firings, the finished product was ready. As a time-consuming decorative technique, cloisonne was generally used to make small items such as boxes, jars, bottles, or other small ornaments.

A silver-gilt filigree cloisonne folding fan from the Qing Dynasty. (Source: Guangdong Museum)

Silver-blue cloisonne wine warmer from the Qing Dynasty.

Fantastic Familiars of Ancient Times

In addition to “conchs,” pets, birds, and beasts–including rare species–graced the studies of the ancients. Images of these animals were carved onto various objects as homages to the majesty of nature and the creatures that lived therein. Let’s look at some of these “fantastic beasts” hidden in the Hainan Museum.

Auspicious frogs

Bronze gong featuring three eyelets shaped like frogs (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Brown-glazed frog-shaped water vessel (Late Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Pouting fish

A blue and white fish-shaped porcelain inkstone dripper (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Blue-glazed fish-shaped vase (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Cute puppies

A painted gray pottery dog in a lying pose (Han Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Grey pottery dog ​(Eastern Han Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Dynamic birds

Gray pottery brick with painted flower and bird patterns in relief (Song Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Blue and white porcelain vase with double handles and floral and bird patterns (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Luscious loongs

A painted wood carving of a loong head (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

Porcelain jar with loong and phoenix patterns in pastel colors (Qing Dynasty, held by Hainan Museum)

These various birds, beasts, fish, insects, and mythical beasts with auspicious connotations embody people’s hopes for a happy and beautiful life.