Chinese Black on Red Circular Cinnabar Lacquer Box and Stand

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Chinese Black on Red Circular Cinnabar Lacquer Box and Stand

OwnerOwned by James Cromar Watt (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)

DateQing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795

Object NameBox

Mediumlacquer and wood

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsOverall: Height: 10 cm, Diameter: 11.5 cm

AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS024881

Keywords

About MeShallow red on black carved cinnabar lacquer box with plain wooden stand. This cylindrical box features a magnolia tree in flower and bud. The magnolia flower in Chinese culture symbolises a beautiful woman, which would suggest that this box belonged to a Chinese lady who might have kept jewels and trinkets within it.

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.

The most common colour of Chinese lacquerware is red. Known as cinnabar lacquer, the varnish is coloured with the quartz-like mineral cinnabar, which can vary in shade from brick red to a bright scarlet. True cinnabar has a high toxic mercury content, so was replaced by other natural and synthetic alternatives from the late 19th century onwards.

As well as being resistant to heat and water this type of lacquer is also hard enough to carve. Each decorative piece demonstrates great skill and patience, as it could take up to two years to complete. Carved lacquer is made from many layers, sometimes up to 300, which had to be dried after each application. Often layers would alternate in colour, creating a depth to the design.

Many of these decorative lacquer objects were made and imported into Europe at the end of the 17th century.