A Japanese lacquered tea caddy, early 20th century, the…
click the photo to enlarge
A Japanese lacquered tea caddy, early 20th century, the rectangular hinged box with fan and flower shapes to the lid decorated with red and gold colours depicting birds and landscapes, the body with floral motifs and tendrils, with a circular patterned escutcheon and opening to two silver lined compartments with lids decorated with gingko leaf motifs and petite nut finials, height 13 cm, width 21 cm, depth 12.5 cm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Lacquered Lacquerware - Lacquer is a clear or coloured resin that is obtained from the sap of several species of trees in the genus Rhus, particularly the Rhus verniciflua tree, which is native to China and Japan. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark and collecting the sap that oozes out.

    The sap is then processed and refined through a series of steps, which may include filtration, heating, and chemical treatments. The resulting lacquer is a highly durable and glossy material that is used as a finish for furniture, musical instruments, and other objects.

    Lacquer has been used for thousands of years in Asia, where it is valued for its beauty and durability. It is applied in multiple thin layers, with each layer being allowed to dry and harden before the next one is added. The process can take several weeks or even months to complete, but the resulting finish is incredibly hard, glossy, and resistant to scratches and wear.

    The lacquer derived from the resin of the Rhus tree has been used for decoration of furniture in several countries in Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These countries have rich traditions of using lacquer for furniture decoration and have developed unique techniques and styles of lacquer work.

    In China, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years, and it became a major art form during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Chinese lacquerware is known for its intricate carving, painting, and inlay work, as well as its use of bold colours and designs. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, screens, and chairs.

    In Japan, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 1,000 years. Japanese lacquerware is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, and it often incorporates natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and shells. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as chests, cabinets, and trays.

    In Korea, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over a thousand years. Korean lacquerware is known for its restrained and understated beauty, and it often features delicate patterns and designs that are achieved through careful layering and carving. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, chests, and screens.

    In Vietnam, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years. Vietnamese lacquerware is known for its vibrant colours and intricate designs, and it often features scenes from daily life, nature, and mythology

  • Finial - An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items, such as spoons, they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.

    Finials have a variety of shapes and forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.

Visually similar items

Regency mahogany tea caddy three section interior, all parquetry banded with marquetry panels

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Chinese provincial polychrome painted elm box. Ex Corso De Fiori. Height 31 cm, length 42 cm, depth 30 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Chinese Guan Pi Xiang, mother of pearl inlay, - dressing table box. Height 32 cm. Width 35 cm. Depth 24 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Victorian brass coal box and cover, of rectangular form, decorated with tavern scenes, 38 cm x 50 cm x 34 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.