Gold and silver wares made in the Ming and Qing Dynasties are infused with strong court flavor because of their magnificence, flamboyance, supreme elegance and nobility, and prevalence of inlaid gems.

Gold and silver wares made in the Ming Dynasty still retain tints of primitive simplicity, with the images and patterns of dragon and phoenix occupying a dominant position. The ornamental patterns grew denser and complicated in structure, and usually the texture of patterns cover almost the whole surface of an article. In addition to fine chiseling, there are also relief decorations.

Gold and silver wares made in the Qing dynasty are more neat, refined and magnificent. The wares are florid and dazzlingly colorful, while the ornamentations are more complicated and gorgeous. And matched with exquisite gems, they are brilliant with rich colors. The technique of making includes casting of models, welding, engraving, inlaying of wires, embedding, etc. Also integrated in the technique are bulge-making, hiding, hatching, rifling rib, and hollowing out, and so on. Accordingly a solid foundation was laid for the development and innovation of the technique for gold and silver wares.