A Chinese export lacquered tea caddy, early 19th century, the…
click the photo to enlarge
A Chinese export lacquered tea caddy, early 19th century, the black lacquered box with fine gilt filigree borders and decorated in two tone gilt to the lid with floral and patterned spandrels and bearing the name 'James Murdoch', the interior with delicate fern embellishments to the lid and having a pewter liner, the lid with engraved patterned borders and a figural scene. Height 21 cm. Width 33 cm. Depth 27 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.
  • Filigree Work - Decorative Arts - Delicate decorations using fine threads of ceramics, glass or other materials to give a lace-like effect, attached together and applied as an ornament.
  • 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

George III inlaid mahogany tea caddy, with ivory escutcheon, lidded interior and boxwood stringing, 12.8 cm wide, 10.3 cm deep, 12.5 cm high

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

Antique English 19th century coromandel writing box, fitted interior with ink bottles, the arched top inlaid with mother of pearl, approx 17 cm high, 38 cm wide, 26 cm deep

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.

Victorian money box, with black leather effect finish, inside compartments for gold, silver and notes, 15.5 cm wide approx

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