

These holders have been cleverly created to simulate painted enamel wares as indicated by the gilding on the bands, rims and handles. The scene of foreigners is also more commonly found on painted enamels, which were in turn inspired by European watercolour paintings. However while these copper-bodied wares often portrayed the figural design in cartouches, the present scenes extend around the whole holders as though painted on a miniature handscroll. Additionally, the foreign scene provides an attractive contrast with the traditional bird and phoenix scene depicted above.