Chinese Christian Cloisonné

Think you know Chinese cloisonné enamel? Think again. This book reveals it as a vibrant medium of cultural exchange, not just an imperial relic or export craft. Drawing on rarely seen objects, archival treasures, and workshops like Decheng and Beitang, it uncovers a forgotten tradition shaped by Chinese artisans and Catholic institutions. Parada challenges myths about Jesuit origins, corrects misdatings, and restores Chinese agency, showing how these hybrid works illuminate devotion, global encounters, and artistic negotiation. Richly illustrated and rigorously researched, it transforms cloisonné from a marginal curiosity into a lens on China’s cultural and religious history.