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EXQUISiTE ANTIQUE 18TH CENTURY CHINESE BUTTERFLY CINNABAR LACQUER BOWL & COVER

About the Item

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this rather exceptional Chinese cinnabar lacquer box and cover circa 18th century with a top depicting Butterfly’s A very important little piece of Chinese history, as you can see I have included an extra which details exactly what this is way better than I can describe The condition is period perfect, it has a nice patina which has aged to the dark brownish black, when freshly produced these are a vibrant red but over the years they develop a much darker hew and the older they are, the darker they become Dimensions Height:- 4cm Width:- 9cm Depth:- 9cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid Cinnabar - Cinnabar is an intense deep red colouring agent that has been in use for thousands of years, derived from crystallized red mercuric sulphide. It is made into a coating by grinding ore into a fine powder then mixing the powder with lacquer made from the sap of the Rhus tree, which grows in East Asia. As applied to Oriental antiques, cinnabar refers to successive layers of lacquer applied to the metal base of an object. Once the coating has dried and hardened, a further layer is applied. The layers continue to be applied until the thickness is 3 to 6 mm, and this may take up to 200 to 300 coats. At this stage, the surface is ready for the carving, that is characteristic of cinnabar items. Because of the labour required, cinnabar items are usually small, such as vases, boxes, trays and snuff bottles. However buyers should be aware that the cinnabar technique has been copied using modern plastic type materials that are moulded rather than carved. A close examination of a genuine cinnabar item under a strong magnifying glass or jewellers loupe should show evidence of the many layers that make up its thickness, and possibly tool marks left by the carver. 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 Condition Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.

Dimensions:
Height: 1.58 in (4 cm)Diameter: 3.55 in (9 cm)
Style:
Chinese Export (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
18th century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
West Sussex, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2823343304982