Delayed Glory

The first royal glassware production factory was founded during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and more glass factories were soon established to serve the royal court. Based on ancient glass production techniques, craftsmen adapted European production methods to invent the double-layer glassware. A wealth of delicate and richly decorated glassware with unique Chinese style was created including glass-body enamel vases painted with flower patterns and snuff bottles painted on the inside. Folk glassware factories in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Boshan also boomed.