Questions and Answers about the art:
Q. How long has Ne’Qwa art been around?
A. Although some scholars have dated the Chinese art form of painting on the
inside of glass to over 1000 years ago, it was not until the mid-17th century
that it became a prized and collected art form within the imperial court.
Q. What makes this art form unique?
A. In addition to being an accomplished artist, the painter
must master several techniques.
(1) The artist is required to paint through a small opening
in the ornament on the inside of the glass.
(2) To paint in this art form, the artist has to paint in
reverse order with the foreground completed first and then
finishing with the background.
(3) Certain ornaments used are opaque mouth-blown glass.
These ornaments don’t allow the artist to see the tip
of the brush and all painting must be done by “feel”.
Q. How are they painted?
A. Through a small opening in each piece, the artist inserts
his brush and paints on the inside of the glass. Using
delicate brushstrokes, and a very steady hand, the artist
creates intricately detailed scenes. From outlining to
shading to color application, all work is painstakingly
done in free hand. When completed, the artists proudly
sign his/her name.
Q. How long does it take to complete a single piece?
A. Depending on the intricacy of the design it may take several
hours to several days.
Q. What type of glass is used?
A. All Ne’Qwa Art ornaments are created using mouth-blown
glass. Mouth-blown glass is lighter in weight, better quality
and more transparent than oven molded glass. The exceptional
glass quality provides a lustrous appearance bringing out
the color and brilliance of each design.
Q. Why do the ornaments have a different look?
A. In some pieces the glass remains transparent. In other
pieces, an iridescent coating is applied. In those ornaments
that appear frosted or non-transparent, the technique of
sand-blasting the inner surface is employed to create the
abrasive inner surface to which certain paints can adhere
Q. What kinds of brushes are used?
A. The brushes are hand-made of a steel wire stem and horsehair
tips. The brushes are slightly bent in order to access
the complete surface area of a three-dimensional object.
A variety of tips are hand-formed and used throughout the
creation of one piece, ranging from a fine tip for outlining
to cotton buds for shading.
Q. Are these ornaments just for the holidays?
A. No. Since these are truly works or art, many of our customers
display them year-round using a display stand or in the
gift box.
Q. Can you describe the gift box?
A. Each box is entirely made by hand. The fabric is a traditional
weave of a high quality silk Damask material selected to
complement the traditional style of the box and its handcrafted
construction. Additionally, the box is lined with red satin
and includes a booklet which describes the art form, a
picture and biography of the North American artist/designer
and a statement of authenticity.
Q. Is the Silk Damask gift box included with the ornament?
A. Yes. Each ornament comes with a gift box. The box is perfect
for storing the ornament and also does a great job protecting
the ornament during shipping.
Q. How are these ornaments displayed?
A. Our customers display their ornaments on ornament stands,
Christmas trees, or in the the silk Damask gift box.
Q. Who designs the scenes?
A. All scenes are created by North American and English artists
and are licensed by Ne’Qwa Art. The artists are Stewart
Sherwood (Canada), Diana Card, Hal Sutherland, Tom Wood,
Richard DeWolf, Joseph Holodook, Long Zhang Yvonne Sexton,
Beverlie Manson (England), Clare Mackie (England), Diana
Knott and The Currier & Ives Foundation.
Q. What kind of paints are used?
A. The paints used vary from piece to piece. They include
the use of watercolor, acrylic, enamel and oil.
