A Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Hen Form Box

A large and highly decorative Chinese black lacquered wooden box with gilt painted decoration, mid 20th century, China. The large box of square quatrefoil form, may originally ha...

An absolutely lovely Korean black lacquer and abalone shell inlaid box in the form of a pair of Mandarin ducks, early 20th century, Korea. The ...

A good Japanese carved cinnabar three case inro with mixed metal ojime, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The three case inro of standard form, comprised of three container se...

A very large Chinese round black lacquer and gilt painted box, made for the export market, mid 20th century, China. The round black lacquer box of impressive proportions, and deco...

A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...

A delightful and intricately decorated lacquer box for storing incense, kogo, in the form of a traditional farm house, Meiji period (1864 - 1912), late 19th century, Japan. The kogo, or small box for storing incense, takes the whimsical form of a traditional Japanese home, minka, with the removable high, thatched roof serving as the cover for the box. The exterior of the home has been painstakingly decorated in maki-e lacquer against a matte black lacquer ground. Traditional shoji doors, bamboo blinds...

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...

Unique Chinese beautifully carved cinnabar planter with three cranes forming the planter, second half of the 20th century.     

Classic Vintage Chinese Carved Cinnabar lacquer and enameled bowl with deer and chrysanthemum motif from a Palm Beach estate.

Antique Chinese red lacquer box This box measures: 14.5 wide x 14.5 deep x 8 inches high About Photos: We take our photos in a co...

This simple lacquered container was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the r...

Beautiful iron red lacquer Chinese table box. The red background with gilt decoration with carved bone inlay on the top. 9.5 inches square, T...