Chinese Black Lac Burgauté Bowl with Garden Scene
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
Object NameBowl
Mediumlaquer and mother of pearl
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 6 cm
Base: Diameter: 5 cm
Base: Diameter: 5 cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024055
About MeA Chinese black laquer bowl with silvered inside and mother of pearl inlay on the outside depicting a figure in a garden scene. Lacquerware originated in China at the beginning of the 4th century B.C. It is made from the sap of the native tree Rhus Vernicifera, which produces a varnish that is used either on its own or applied to a number of media including wood, fabric, bronze, and porcelain.
In addition to carving, lacquer was also inlaid and painted. Black or deep rich brown lacquer, which imitated tortoiseshell, was a popular background for mother of pearl, hardstone and metal inlays as well as rich gold handpainted decoration.
Mother of pearl inlaid decoration seems to have originated in China, with examples occurring as early as the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Lac Burgauté comes from the French laque for lacquer and burgau for sea-ear, referring to the shell inlay. In China this form of decoration is known as lo tien, and in Japan it is called aogai. Lacquering was used for a vast number of domestic, decorative and religious objects. It was even employed in Japan to decorate armour and weaponry.
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 1522 - 1619
Qing Dynasty, late 18th century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
