Chinese Bat-Shaped Cinnabar Lacquer Box with Cover on Stand
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, QianlongJaiqing Period, 1796 - 1820
Object NameBox
Mediumlacquer and wood
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 116 × 285 × 150mm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 01
Object numberABDMS030306
About MeA red cinnabar lacquer sweetmeat box in the form of a bat featuring a carving of a bat with fully extended wings on the top of the cover. The box sits on a carved and shaped wooden stand. The bat is very important within Chinese culture as it symbolises happiness and joy and it appears in all forms of fine and decorative art.
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.
More About Me
I am a box that is shaped like a b--. I fly through the night, so I am not a rat. What am I?
Exhibitions
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty 18th - 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, 1402 - 1424
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty Qianlong/Jiaqing Period, 1736 - 1820
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 15th - 16th century
