This enamel-decorated lotus seed-shaped cup with blessing and longevity is collaboratively crafted by Master Zhang Jian, a master artisan of Jingdezhen overglaze piled gold craftsmanship, together with several other master craftsmen.

Bats painted in iron-red on the outer wall are traditional auspicious patterns, signifying boundless blessings. The auspicious longevity characters are surrounded by scrolling patterns.

The bat pattern, also known as the “auspicious fortune pattern”, is regarded in Confucianism as an auspicious omen of divine will — such as the appearance of colorful clouds, favorable weather for crops, double-eared grains, sweet springs emerging from the earth, and the sight of rare birds and exotic animals. The blue ground has an elegant, soft hue with a gentle, muted luster.

The exterior is decorated with enamel-painted scrolling patterns, with clear veins and gracefully twining branches and leaves, full of dynamism. Its continuous structure stands for endless vitality.

The longevity characters, bat patterns and scrolling patterns together convey the meaning of endless blessings and longevity.

Besides its elaborate and exquisite painting, this enamel-decorated cup requires four separate kiln firings to complete, with the risk of damage in each firing.

In the Qing Dynasty, enamel porcelain was originally made exclusively for the appreciation of emperors and empresses. Enamel is a special colored pigment produced through artificial firing. Before the 6th year of the Yongzheng reign (1728), enamel materials relied on imports from Europe. After that period, the Imperial Workshop of the Qing Court successfully developed more than 20 kinds of enamel pigments, marking the pinnacle of ancient Chinese polychrome porcelain craftsmanship.