Copper Inlaid with Black Silver

Copper Inlaid with Black Silver

　　Copper inlaid with black silver is another unique type of copper handicraft from Yunnan, originating in Shiping, Yunnan. It uses copper as the base, on which various patterns and designs are carved. Molten silver (or gold) is then poured into these carvings. Once cooled, the surface is polished smooth. Over time, the base copper naturally turns pitch black, highlighting the silver (or gold) inlays, creating a striking contrast between black and white (or black and gold), giving off an antique and elegant charm. Since silver inlaying is more commonly used, it is called "Copper Inlaid with Black Silver."

　　Creating copper inlaid with black silver (or gold) is a complex craft, requiring artisans to master alloy smelting, carving, calligraphy, painting, and micro-carving techniques. Copper inlaid with black silver (or gold) handicrafts typically include small vases, pen holders, ink boxes, and more. Common decorative motifs include birds and flowers, insects, plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, dragons, phoenixes, deer, and cranes.

　　A representative masterpiece of copper inlaid with black silver is a landscape painting displayed in the Yunnan Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This painting, measuring 1.2 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, features Kunming’s Western Hills, Dianchi Lake, and Daguan Pavilion inlaid in gold and silver against a shiny black background — exquisitely crafted and considered a true art treasure.