I recently discovered an exciting art form. It’s called reverse hand painting or NeQwa. The word NeQwa in the Chinese language means hand painting inside on glass. This particular art form started 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 people of high position and became quite valuable treasures.

This rare art form is still accomplished today in a studio in China where talented and patient artists paint designs created by American and English artists on 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 have undoubtedly received the ornaments as gifts and appreciated her untimely beauty.

The art form itself is very interesting. The glass is mouth-blown using a special high-quality glass tube. These pieces are etched on the inside to ensure that when painted, the paint will adhere to the glass. However, etching makes it extremely difficult for the artist to see the brush inside and determine exactly where the painting will be placed. Hence the need for 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 necessary to paint a particular design. These brushes are handcrafted by the artist to the exact size needed, some no larger than a single hair on your head. Unlike traditional painting, the artist begins with the foreground and finally the background. The outline is first and thoroughly done with India ink and mixed to create the dimensional effect of the finished product. So the artist starts with the first color. Each color is allowed to dry before moving on to the next color, and the colors are finally 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 that 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 packaged in leather boxes. The sets, which are made up of ornaments that are not sold separately, are usually presented in wooden boxes finished with a satin lining.

These art objects are a pleasure to own and receive as gifts. I have personally started my collections starting with the Santa Collection and various Angels.