Painted enamel hand warmer and cover

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Filled with hot coals this hand warmer would have been an effective barrier against the cold.

This hand warmer has a rounded rectangular body with a sunken base below a handle attached to the two shorter sides. The cover is pieced with interlocking coin patterns and painted with floral designs.

Enamel painting was introduced to China by Western missionary artists who served within the imperial court. It was practised in enamel workshops in both Beijing and Guangzhou (Canton).

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-265-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1871.45.7 A
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Surface enamel
  Incense casket / part
  
• Dimensions: 4.00" H x 7.00" L x 5.00" B overall
  
• What: Incense casket / part
  
• Subject: Surface enamels
  
• Who: Dundas Collection
  
• Where: China, Beijing
  
• Event:
• Description: Part of an incense casket of surface enamel, one of three parts: China, Beijing
  
• References:
  • Wilkinson, Jane and Nick Pearce. Harmony & Contrast: A Journey through East Asian Art. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing, 1996. 
• Translations:
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