Chinese Red Lacquer Cinnabar Vase

Chinese red lacquer two part wedding box. Entirely hand decorated with a bird and flowers on top and flowers and vines along the side. The interior is pai...

A truly beautiful and amazing piece. From the late 19th century of the Qing Dynasty in China, this lacquered writing box is decorated with the desi...

19th century Chinese export lacquer game box with gold decoration of landscapes with figures and houses, interior with boxes and trays, carved feet. Wear on the lacquer, see images f...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

19th century Chinese lacquered and giltwood frame fan with chinoiserie decoration double leaf depicting Chinese daily scenes, animals and flowers with origi...

Early 19th century Chinese export lacquer and gilt work table from the Qing Dynasty, with carved gilt dragon head feet, with the table of canted rectangular form, with moulded top, t...