Small Chinese lacquered trunk, with handpainted decoration to…
click the photo to enlarge
Small Chinese lacquered trunk, with handpainted decoration to front & wax seal on back, 48.5 cm wide, 29 cm deep, 31.5 cm high approx

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

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Pair Korean hardwood chests. Stylised bamboo decoration, two short drawers above two door cupboard, brass plate and bindings to each. Provenance: Estate of Australian collector. Height 57 cm width 61 cm and Depth 44 cm (each)

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

Carved camphorwood trunk 94 cm wide, 48.5 cm high

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

A Regency period, rosewood and brass inlay sarcophagus shape, tea caddy, c.1820-1830, with two pullout canister boxes and central cut crystal mixing bowl. Height 19.2 cm. Length 30 cm. Depth 16 cm

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

Heavily carved Gothic style firewood box with original lining

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