Four Small Chinese Export Lacquer Trays, 19th Century Qing Dynasty

A superbly decorative Cantonese black lacquer table or jewellery cabinet, exquisitely ornamented with Oriental figures and pagodas throughout. China, Canton, Qing dynasty, mid-19th c...

A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.  China, Canton, Qing dynasty, late 19th – early 20th century. Why we like it We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste. History The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants. The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century. Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37. Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...

A charming Georgian style slipper chair of compact proportions, covered in well-aged, possibly original buttoned leather. England, circa 1860. Why we like it Very comfortable and w...

A superb 'Grand Tour' bronze bust, traditionally described as Dionysus (Dionysos), after the original excavated at the Villa of the Papyri in 1754; by the Sabatino and Sons foundry, ...

An interesting early 19th century slipper chair of small proportions, retaining original needlework upholstery, English, circa 1835. The chair p...

A very decorative Grand Tour vase after a design by Thomas Hope, mounted as table lamp, in porcelain with matte turquoise ground and glazed classical ornaments. English, early 19th c...

A Chinese Qing dynasty period red lacquered blanket chest from the 19th century, with iron hardware. This exquisite Chinese Qing dynasty period blanket chest, dating back to the 19th...

Immerse yourself in the allure of the 19th century with our exquisite lacquered box, a stunning testament to Chinese export craftsmanship. Crafted in an elegant octagonal shape and a...

Antique 19th century export Chinese lacquer gaming box with hand painted scenes gilt export black lacquer with 4 pair of two dragons playing a ball, the...

Antique 19th century export Chinese lacquer gaming box with hand painted scenes gilt export black lacquer, there are 7 gaming boxes and 12 trays, 14.5 i...

Chinese red lacquer box from Qing dynasty. Includes nine-pieces. Before in excellent condition. But when I take pictures, accidentally fell t...

19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box This 19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and artistr...