Chinese Circular Cinnabar Lacquer Box and Cover on Stand

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

DateMing Dynasty, Yongle Period, 1402 - 1424

Object NameBox

Mediumlacquer and wood

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsOverall: Height: 9.7 cm, Diameter: 32 cm

AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS024899

Keywords

About MeThis flat circular cinnabar lacquer box and cover is decorated with carved peonies around its sides and on its cover with a scene showing the Eight Immortals celebrating the God of Longevity’s birthday.

Chinese immortals are part of indigenous Chinese beliefs - often called popular religion. These Eight Immortals are said to live either in the Kunlun Mountains or on islands in the Eastern Sea such as Penglai. Each has a distinctive appearance and attributes. They are identified as Immortal Woman He (He Xiangu - the only definitively female immortal), Iron Crutch Li ( Li Tieguai with bulging eyes leaning on a staff), Royal Uncle Cao (Cao Guojiu who holds castanets), Lan Caihe (androgynous and with a basket of flowers), Lü Dongbin (the group’s leader who generally has a sword strapped to his back), Han Xiangzi (who plays the flute), Zhang Guo Lao (who plays a tube shaped drum with two long sticks), and Zhongli Quan (who holds a fan which can restore people to life). The God of Longevity (Shoulao or Lao Zi) is shown as an old man with a distinctive extended cranium indicating the vastness of his knowledge and intellect. The birthday theme was auspicious and conveyed a wish for long life and happiness on the recipient of the carved red lacquer box. Lacquer boxes were used for storage but also for the presentation of special foods as gifts.

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, in this case applied to a wood and textiles core. Each layer had to be dried before the next could be applied. 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.

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This box was made at the same time as the famous Forbidden City in Beijing, which was the residence of Chinese Emperors until 1924.