To explain, we have to take you back a thousand years or more to the Sung Dynasty where scholars believe that Chinese painting traditions began.  In ancient Chinese culture a high premium was placed on the skilled manipulation of a brush which was made of a bone or wood handle and fitted with unusually soft flexible bristles.

Chinese artists practiced for years to develop the fine motor skills necessary to create the delicate brush  strokes.  According to the influential Fifth Century art critic, Hsieh Ho, painting demanded an "infusion of the artist's own spirit to give the painting the ch'i -- the vitality of life itself."

Every artist tried to perfect his brushwork until it bore an imprint as personal as his handwriting.  When a painter mastered this technique, his strokes were said to resemble a dance -- full of energy, movement and life.

During the Ch'ing (Manchu) Dynasty in the Seventeenth Century A.D., the art of painting inside glass  became prized and collected by the Emperor and his court.

The artists painted inside small glass “snuff” bottles used at one time as opium or tobacco containers.  They painted inside these glass snuff bottles in an effort to preserve and protect their intricate calligraphy, poetry and paintings from the harsh elements.

In addition to mastering the technique of painting inside the object through a small opening, the artist also had to be proficient in reverse painting.  Unlike standard painting methods, reverse painting requires the artist to create the foreground first and finish with the background.

The tradition of painting on the inside of glass was typically passed down from generation to generation but, with the passage of time, was greatly diminished. 

For the past 10 years there has been a concerted effort to revive this dying art form; this tradition continues today in only a few villages throughout China. Now, this ancient craft continues through 21st century artisans of which, worldwide, only 240 artists posses the ability to create these masterful renderings of contemporary life. We are proud to offer the work of these masters to you.

To posses this special ornament, is to posses an intricate work of art.  All are hand painted.  All are original designs.  All are painted through the small hole in the top of the ornament.  And all are painted on the inside by one of the 240 Chinese artisans.

Whether placed on a stand and enjoyed everyday of the year, or placed on a holiday tree in the traditional manner, each Ornament is truly exquisite and unique, and is of heirloom quality.

Whatever the occasion, give something unmatched  by any other gift... a thousand years of beauty and tradition.
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