Chinese 19th C Cinnabar Lacquer Box on Wood

A thin light colored and light weight wood frame has been coated with many, many layers of a nice even red cinnabar lacquer. Black lacquer has been applied to the interior and base. The lid top has a deeply carved design of a rural retreat with hills, forests, a sage, a willow tree, and an attendant. The box lid has a key fret border. The box sides are carved with a square diaper pattern.

 

5 5/8” (14.3 cm) long x 3 ¾” (9.5 cm) wide x 1 ¾” (4.4 cm) tall. Weighs 7.4 oz (215 g)

 

The lacquer is peeling on one corner of the lid with a small lacquer loss. There are small lacquer losses to the top key fret border on the lid. There are lacquer losses to the flange of the box and the lid edge interior. These don’t show when the top is on because they are on the inside. There is wear to the black lacquer on the base and interior.

 

A bright well carved lacquer box that shows much hand work and expertise by the artisan.