Cloisonne is a famous traditional enamel ware, known as the "Blue of Jingtai" in China, with a history of over 500 years. It was so called because "blue" was the typical color used for enameling and "Jingtai" was the reign title of 7 th Ming Emperor. Enamel ware became very popular during the emperor's reign(AD1450-AD1456). There is a great variety of products, such as vase, jar, bowl , plate, box and ashtray.They are brilliant in colors and splendid in design. Cloisonne is one of the famous arts and crafts of Beijing. The marking of cloisonné requires rather elaborate and complicated processes; base hammering, copper strip inlay, soldering, enamel filling, enamel firing, polishing and gilding. The products are featured by excellent quality. The skill and workmanship have been handed down from the joys a high reputation both at home and abroad. They are mostly for export. Built in 1956, the cloisonné factory is the biggest in China with 6 work-shops and 1,800 workers. The "Beijing Enamel Brand" cloisonné wares are made in this factory. They take up over 70 percent of cloisonné wares product in China, With a registered trade mark Jingfa, the products won an honorable title of renowned product in Beijing in 1975. They were conferred the title of "top quality product" by the Ministry of Light Industry in 1979, and aain won the prize of the National Hundred Flower Golden Cup in 1981, In the factory there is a gift shop for visitors.