Pair of Chinese Black and Gold Bowls with Flowers
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
DateQing Dynasty, mid 18th century
Object NameBowl
Mediumlacquer
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Diameter: 11.1 cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS014533
About MeA pair of Chinese black lacquer bowls with slightly flared rims. Both bowls are decorated with gold lacquer flowers and foliage.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.
In Japan, decorative lacquerware was made just a few centuries after the Chinese, around the 6th century A.D. As in China, the Japanese produced red and black lacquer but is particularly associated with the latter.
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