Editor: Xiao Meng
Preface
In that era when material was not abundant, enamel products became an indispensable part of thousands of households.
Those white basins, large water cups, and exquisite peony patterns were our childhood companions and forever treasured in our hearts.
However, with the change of times, enamel products gradually faded out of people's vision and became a symbol of nostalgia.
So, what is the reason for the gradual elimination of enamel products that were once all the rage?
What is "enamel"?
Enamel, a magical material that combines the properties of metal and porcelain, originated in the cloisonné craft of the Ming Dynasty in China and gained worldwide popularity due to its unique properties.
However, although enamel did not originate in China, its development and improvement on the mainland brought the craft to unprecedented heights.
The process of making enamel is quite complex, requiring the metal to be made into a vessel and then covered with a fine layer of enamel on its surface.
This seemingly simple process actually requires years of craftsmanship to achieve the desired result.
The appearance of enamel not only greatly changed people's lives, but also brought honor to the mainland.
Prior to this, people mainly used wooden or ceramic utensils.
However, wooden utensils are susceptible to mould after a period of use, especially in humid environments.
Wooden utensils are not resistant to high temperatures and cannot be used directly in cooking and boiling potions.
Although ceramic ware is widely used, it is easy to be bumped and broken due to the fragility of the material itself.
In addition, most ceramic products are not heat-resistant and cannot withstand the requirements required by high temperatures.
At this time, the application of enamel utensils brought great convenience and practicality to people.
The enamel covering of the enamel surface not only makes the metal ware more smooth and wear-resistant, but also adds the advantages of high temperature resistance, compatibility and easy cleaning.
Due to their moderate weight, enamelled ware is widely used in both the user's home and in commercial and industrial environments.
For home use, enameled pots and pans have heat soaking properties, which can transfer heat quickly and evenly, so that food can be cooked faster and more evenly.
At the same time, the enamel pot can withstand higher temperatures, allowing for a wider variety of cooking methods, such as stir-frying, boiling soups, and stewings.
Its abrasion- and corrosion-resistant properties make it one of the longest-used utensils in the kitchen.
In the industrial field, enamel is widely used in chemical equipment, electronic components and automotive parts, among others.
Enamel coatings can provide protection against chemical corrosion and high temperatures/pressures, and their flame retardant, insulating properties make them ideal for electrical equipment applications.
Enamel not only excels in function, but also shows beauty and design appreciation.
A variety of enamel colors and patterns make enamel products able to meet the aesthetic needs and decorative needs of different people.
A variety of enamel cookware, toilets, blinds and cutlery with exquisite patterns have become popular products in homes and shopping malls.
Disappear and take its place
Over the past few decades, enamel products have played an important role in family life.
Whether it's an enamel bowl, an enamel cup or an enamel basin, they are loved for their durability and beauty.
However, with the advancement of science and technology and the change of market demand, enamel products have gradually withdrawn from people's lives.
In today's homes, we see more plastic basins and stainless steel products, and these new materials have replaced the place of enamel.
Plastic basins and stainless steel basins have many advantages over enamel basins.
First of all, they are less expensive to produce and simpler to process.
Plastic and stainless steel materials are easy to obtain and process, while the production process of enamel products requires multiple complex processes, resulting in high production costs.
Therefore, plastic basins and stainless steel basins are more competitive in the market and more popular with consumers.
In addition, plastic basins and stainless steel basins also surpass traditional enamel basins in terms of appearance design and practicality.
In modern society, people have higher requirements for the appearance design of products.
The design style of enamel products often looks old and cannot meet the aesthetic needs of contemporary consumers.
The appearance of plastic and stainless steel basins can better blend in with modern home décor styles, and at the same time, they are more durable and less prone to bumps and peel paint.
In addition, with the improvement of living standards, people's needs for daily necessities are also changing.
In the past, enamel products played an important role in the family, because living conditions were poor at the time, and people were looking for products that could withstand falls and were affordable.
However, with the increase of income level and the change of consumption concept, people pay more attention to quality and personalization.
Plastic and stainless steel basins are better suited to meet people's needs in this regard, as they are not only more durable, but also easier to clean and maintain.
In short, the withdrawal of enamel products is not a sudden phenomenon, but the result of scientific and technological progress, changes in market demand and changes in consumer concepts.
The emergence of new materials makes enamel products gradually lose their competitiveness in the market.
While enamel still has some unique collectible and cultural value, it has not been able to adapt to the needs of modern homes.
What we can't ignore is that while enamel products may never return to their past glory, they still leave a deep imprint.
It was an important part of people's family life and represented a special period in history.
Therefore, although enamel products are gradually withdrawn from the market, its value and significance will be passed on forever.
Popular abroad
In Nigeria, traditional wedding ceremonies are an important part of the local culture, and enamel bowls are widely used in such ceremonies.
The bride wears an enamel wreath at the wedding, not just to add to her beauty, but also because enamel is seen locally as a symbol of marital happiness and good luck.
One of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony is the enamel bowl used by the bride in the bowl breaking ceremony.
It is an important ceremony that symbolizes the stability and happiness of the marriage, and the bride needs to prepare an enamel bowl filled with rice and jewelry, which is then broken during the wedding.
The sound of breaking enamel bowls represents the end of marriage and the beginning of a new marriage.
Enamel bowls also play an important role in daily life in Nigeria.
People love to use enamel bowls with blessing patterns, believing that they bring good luck and happiness.
Whether it is a formal banquet or a family dinner, everyone likes to use enamel bowls, and it has become an indispensable part of people's lives.
In Europe and the United States, enamel has been given the status of a work of art.
As a traditional craft, enamel enjoys a high reputation in the art world.
Some enamel products are regarded as treasures by collectors, and their value is not only reflected in their fine production and complex craftsmanship, but also in the perfect combination of traditional Chinese culture and modern aesthetics.
Chinese enamel designers are unique in the design of enamel products.
They use rich color combinations and delicate pattern painting techniques to create enamel products full of artistic sense and innovation.
Whether it is the ornamentation, color or shape, it attracts the appreciation and love of the world.
In addition to being sought after as a work of art, enamel also has its own unique advantages in terms of practicality.
Enamel has good heat resistance and insulating properties, making it an ideal kitchen utensils and food container.
Its smooth surface and easy-to-clean properties also make enamel bowls a common tableware choice in everyday life.
Whether at home or abroad, the charm of enamel cannot be replaced by other materials.
It represents the inheritance and evolution of Chinese culture and makes people proud of their enamel products in China.
Enamel products with extended application areas and unique designs, both as real cutlery and works of art, enjoy a high reputation in the international market.
The traditional craft of enamel continues to rejuvenate and continues to be passed down and carried forward worldwide.
Development of enamel
Enamel products occupied an important place in the daily life of China in the 50s of the 20th century.
Enamel products such as washbasins, kettles, and cooking utensils have become essential daily necessities for every household.
It has been found that the use of enamel products makes it easier to enjoy cleanliness and aesthetics.
In contrast, wood products are susceptible to moisture and mold, while ceramic products are bulky and brittle, and cannot meet the needs of modern life.
Enamel products are not only beautiful in appearance, but more importantly, have excellent durability and reliability.
Due to the strong bond between the enamel and the metal surface during the firing process, the appearance of the enamel products can remain intact regardless of the harsh environment and regular use.
This makes the life of enamel products far exceed that of other material products, and become a household item that people enjoy forever.
Enamel products are not only durable, but also easy to clean, their smooth surface is not easy to adhere to dirt and bacteria, just wipe with a damp cloth to keep it clean, convenient and fast.
In contrast, cleaning wood products requires tedious painting and waxing processes, while washing ceramic products is prone to scratches or breaks, making them cumbersome and risky to use.
In addition, the appearance of enamel products is full of artistic beauty, its surface is smooth and brightly colored, and it is often printed with decorations such as patterns, patterns or simple lines, giving people a sense of nobility and sophistication.
The enamel feels cool to the touch, and the surface is as shiny as glass, visually giving people a sense of luxury.
Coupled with its unique material properties, enamel products are highly sought after and regarded as a symbol of nobility, not only a practical daily necessities, but also a symbol of noble life.
With the progress of society and science and technology, the status of enamel products has gradually been replaced by other new materials.
The emergence of new materials such as plastic and stainless steel has changed people's consumption concepts.
The new material is lighter and more durable, and has more innovation and fashion sense, attracting more consumers.
Gradually, people began to lose interest in enamel products and tended to choose products made of new materials.
However, even if the market share of enamel products is hit by competition, its unique charm is still widely present in modern life.
The intricate and magnificent decorative art of cloisonné, as well as the classic beauty brought by enamel products, have added a lot to its popularity in the field of collecting and art.
The historical and cultural value of enamel is also gradually being re-recognized and respected.
epilogue
We can find that enamel is not only a traditional craft, but also a microcosm of Chinese cultural inheritance and development.
From the container that carries memories, to the witnesses of social life, to the old objects that have been eliminated by the times, the stories of enamel are rich and colorful.