Cloisonné Enamel Art Workshop: A Living Imperial Craft of Beijing

€5.00

Cloisonné, known in Chinese as Qian Si Fa Lang (掐丝珐琅), is one of Beijing’s most renowned imperial crafts. Originating in the Yuan dynasty and perfected during the Ming and Qing courts, it was once created exclusively for emperors and the palace.

The craft is defined by a meticulous, multi-step process: thin copper wires are bent and fixed by hand to form intricate patterns, creating small compartments that are then filled with layers of richly colored enamel. After firing and polishing, the surface becomes luminous and enduring — a balance of precision, patience, and restraint.

In this immersive workshop, you will experience the entire cloisonné-making process, from shaping and placing copper wire to applying enamel color (dian lan) using high-quality cloisonné glazes. A heritage craftsman will guide you step by step, explaining not only how each stage is done, but why it matters.

Once completed, your artwork will be professionally refined and mounted in a premium frame, and packaged with a gift bag. The finished piece can be displayed as an artwork or used as a cloisonné fridge magnet — a small, meaningful object that carries the memory of your time in Beijing.

Please note:

  • The listed price is a non-refundable reservation fee. The remaining 370 RMB can be paid on-site during the experience.

  • A minimum of 2 guests is required to run the activity. Solo travelers are warmly welcome to book — if we don’t reach the minimum number, you’ll receive a full refund.

Our experience usually starts at 10:00 AM local time, but if it’s just your group, we can be flexible and start at a time that works best for you! (Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours)

Hosted in English

Cloisonné, known in Chinese as Qian Si Fa Lang (掐丝珐琅), is one of Beijing’s most renowned imperial crafts. Originating in the Yuan dynasty and perfected during the Ming and Qing courts, it was once created exclusively for emperors and the palace.

The craft is defined by a meticulous, multi-step process: thin copper wires are bent and fixed by hand to form intricate patterns, creating small compartments that are then filled with layers of richly colored enamel. After firing and polishing, the surface becomes luminous and enduring — a balance of precision, patience, and restraint.

In this immersive workshop, you will experience the entire cloisonné-making process, from shaping and placing copper wire to applying enamel color (dian lan) using high-quality cloisonné glazes. A heritage craftsman will guide you step by step, explaining not only how each stage is done, but why it matters.

Once completed, your artwork will be professionally refined and mounted in a premium frame, and packaged with a gift bag. The finished piece can be displayed as an artwork or used as a cloisonné fridge magnet — a small, meaningful object that carries the memory of your time in Beijing.

Please note:

  • The listed price is a non-refundable reservation fee. The remaining 370 RMB can be paid on-site during the experience.

  • A minimum of 2 guests is required to run the activity. Solo travelers are warmly welcome to book — if we don’t reach the minimum number, you’ll receive a full refund.

Our experience usually starts at 10:00 AM local time, but if it’s just your group, we can be flexible and start at a time that works best for you! (Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours)

Hosted in English

What You'll Do

  • Learn the history and cultural significance of Beijing royal cloisonné

  • Observe and practice the copper wire shaping and pattern-setting process

  • Fix copper wires by hand to form traditional cloisonné designs

  • Apply enamel colors (dian lan) using premium cloisonné pigments

  • Receive guidance and refinement from a heritage cloisonné instructor

  • Have your finished piece professionally polished and mounted

  • Take home your framed cloisonné artwork in gift-ready packaging

Cancellation policy

We’ll confirm your booking the day before the experience. If you need to cancel or reschedule, feel free to send us an email at isacuration.shop@gmail.com. — we’ll be happy to assist you!