Description
Black and white photograph showing four young men seated at table in a cloisonné enamel workshop painting enamel. The table is covered with small dishes, paintbrushes and bowls. A window is at the left of the image.

Significance statement
In 'A photographer in Old Peking' (p 191), Hedda Morrison wrote: 'Cloisonne is formed by soldering copper wire in desired patterns on to a copper object such as a bowl. The interstices are then filled several times with enamel and baked, before being polished and painted'.

Production notes
This is one of a large number of photographs that were taken by Hedda Morrison (1908-1991) during her years of residence in Peking (Beijing), China 1933-1946.

History notes
Exhibited in 'An Asian experience: 1933-67', organised by the Asian Studies Association of Australia, Fisher Library Foyer, University of Sydney, 12-30 May 1986. Reproduced in Hedda Morrison, 'A photographer in Old Peking', Hong Kong, Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 1985, p. 191, with the caption: 'Cloisonné painting. Cloisonné is formed by soldering copper wire in desired patterns on to a copper object such as a bowl. The interstices are then filled several times with enamel and baked, before being polished and painted'.

Credit line
Gift of Mr Alastair Morrison, 1992

Registration number
92/1414-281