Qing Dynasty Black and Gilt Lacquer Document Box
click the photo to enlarge
A black and gilt lacquer rectangular document box, Xiaoxiang, Qing Dynasty of deep rectangular form, with double loop handles on quatrefoil escutcheons and knock plate, a large rectangular lockplate on the front with a cloud-form hasp, the sides painted in gilt on the black lacquer ground with figures variously occupied in a pavilion garden setting extending over the cover and front, the sides and back with fruiting and flowering sprays 19 cm high, 40.5 cm wide, 25 cm deep
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 - Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.
- Quatrefoil - A stylised four-circle design, itself contained within a larger circle, with Gothic origins and often seen as window designs in ecclesiastical architecture. The use of the motif was popular in Gothic Revival furniture of the 19th century.
- Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
Visually similar items
Large lidded rectangular tortoise shell box, approx 13 cm long, 8 cm wide, 4 cm high
Sold by
in
for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
A Victorian Coromandel wood writing box, brass bound, the interior with tooled leather slope, secret drawers, compartments, etc., the lid with presentation plaque, requires some attention to interior. 50 cm x 27 cm x 18 cm
Sold by
in
for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
Russian silver matchbox holder 84 zolotnik purity (875/1000), with monogram and dated 1928, 5.9 cm x 3.9 cm, 33 grams
Sold by
in
for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
An early Victorian silver and striking blue banded agate table snuff box, rectangular form, agate panels to the lid and base, the silver sides with leaf and floral engraved scroll decoration. Edinburgh 1838 by Andrew Wilkie. Provenance: The Flower Family C
Sold by
in
for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.