16/08/2026
The enameling process behind Yum Cha — 7 hours of grand feu enameling, at least 8 layers of application and firing. Follows by another 1.5 hours of hand polishing by Master Qin to achieve the final luster. Each dial is perfectly unique on its own!
Master Qin evaluated an extensive library of physical enamel swatches from specialised suppliers to find the perfect colour — settling on a raw powder that appears a muted beige before the kiln reveals its true character entirely. Washed repeatedly to remove any trace of impurity, the enamel is meticulously applied by hand, then fired in the kiln at 800°C, then removed, cooled and inspected before the next layer is applied — a painstaking cycle repeated a minimum of eight times. The slightest variance in temperature or thickness risks air bubbles, cracking or warping the silver foundation entirely.
In the kiln, the powdered glass melts into a rich, dark brown transparent layer. The true mastery, however, lies in how the light passes through this medium. Because the enamel is highly transparent, the underlying silver foundation dictates everything. A standard, dull silver plate would merely yield a flat, dark brown finish with no internal life. But beneath Master Qin‘s skilful bright cuts, light is caught and reflected back up through the coloured glass like thousands of microscopic mirrors.
Once cooled, the dial must be meticulously hand polished — a rigorous process requiring 1.5 hours of completely steady, uniform pressure to achieve its final flawless lustre. This exacting final step coaxes the deep fired brown into a radiant, luminous honey-gold at the centre, while the glass settles thicker at the curved perimeter to produce a rich, smoky amber rim.
