Visitors admire “Plaque With Ladies and Inscription Attributed to Pan Chun” at the Canton enamel exhibition. Photos by Sun Yuchen unless otherwise stated

Ranging from a showcase of exquisite and colorful Canton enamels to a wonder of nature found in Cretaceous fossils and creative products inspired by several museums’ collections, three new and free exhibitions at the Shenzhen Museum are worth putting on your calendar this summer.

“Dish With Westerners and Landscapes in Framed Panels on Brocade Backgrounds” is on display at the Canton enamel exhibition.

Canton enamels

“A Splendid Blend of China and the West — Canton Enamels of the Qing Dynasty,” co-hosted by the Shenzhen Museum and Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Art Museum, showcases 258 Canton enamels on loan from 10 museums around China.

Supported by the China National Arts Fund, the exhibition provides the public with insights into this artistic craft by illustrating the distinctive tradition and history of Guangdong enamelware.

Painted-enamel techniques were introduced from Europe to China in the late 17th century by European merchants and missionaries. This decorative craft soon enthralled emperors, who instructed the imperial workshops in Beijing and Guangdong to adapt and further develop the enameling technologies.

The consequent painted enamels with Chinese and Western elements were for imperial use, the domestic market and for exports to Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Canton enamels were crafted in Guangzhou. They were typically made by applying layers of enamel to metal, which were then fired at high temperatures to create a durable, colorful finish.

The enameled pigments and firing techniques were of European origin, but the pattern styles are both Chinese and Western.

Some Canton enamels were decorated with Catholic-subject patterns due to Western missionary influence, some modeled the works of court painters, some borrowed the decorative patterns on Guangdong Duanzhou coromandel lacquer screens, and some were decorated with patterns inspired by Jingdezhen porcelains.

Thus, Canton enamels had created a unique style that combines the East and the West. Patterns of landscapes, figures, flowers and birds on the fine Canton enamels are exceptionally delicate and intricate.

Dates: Until Oct. 22

Booking: WeChat account “iszbwg”

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District (深圳博物馆历史民俗馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B