Chinese meaning of NeQwa – "Hand painting inside on glass"

I recently discovered an exciting art form. It is called reverse hand painting or NeQwa. The word NeQwa in Chinese means hand painting on the inside of glass. This particular form of art began centuries ago in China. Originally, the delicate painting was done on the inside of “snuff” bottles or other small glass containers. These objects were commissioned by emperors and high-ranking people and became very valuable treasures.

This rare art form is still achieved today in a studio in China where talented and patient artists paint designs created by American and English artists onto blown glass ornaments of various shapes and sizes. Famous artists such as Stewart Sherwood, Jim Shore, Susan Winget, G. DeBrekht and Peggy Abrams create original designs for the paintings, many of the designs are limited editions for distribution to collectors and others who no doubt received the ornaments as gifts and are there. endlessly appreciates beauty.

The art form itself is very interesting. The glass is mouth blown using a special high grade glass tube. These pieces are etched on the inside to ensure that when painted the paint will adhere to the glass. However, the etching makes it extremely difficult for the artist to see inside the brush and determine exactly where the brush strokes will be placed. Hence the need for both talent and patience!

The artist uses a combination of ink and paint, including acrylics, watercolors, and oils to create these delicate works of art. The first step is to develop the set of brushes needed to paint a particular design. These brushes are handcrafted by the artist to the exact size needed, some no bigger than a single hair on your head. Unlike traditional painting, the artist starts with the foreground and finally the background. The outline is first painstakingly done with India ink and blended to create the dimensional effect of the finished product. Then the artist starts the first color. Each color is allowed to dry before moving on to the next color and finally the colors are mixed. Sometimes an ornament can be completed in hours, and sometimes it takes several days.

The finished product is signed by the artist and authenticated by the company that commissioned it to ensure it is real. It is then packaged in a beautiful satin-lined velvet box and a certificate of authentication is placed inside. Some of the limited editions are packed in leather boxes. Comprised of ornaments that are not sold separately, the sets are often presented in satin-lined wooden boxes.

These art objects are a delight to own and receive as a gift. Personally, I have started my collections starting with the Santa Collection and various Angels.