Chinese Republic Cinnabar Lacquer Box with Landscape

The wooden box has been coated in layers of red and black lacquer to build up a surface. This surface was then molded with a design on the box lid of a scholar in a mountain retreat. The design was then brushed or rubbed to give added texture to the rocks and leaves. This brushing has also given the box a matte finish. You can especially see the contrast of shiny and matte finish on the flange.  The sides are molded with key fret and archaistic designs. The base and interior are a black lacquer.

  

 

5 ¼” (13.3 cm) wide x 4 1/8” (10.5 cm) deep x 2 ½” (6.4 cm) tall. Weighs 9.8 oz (280 g)

 

 

Both the box and lid have lacquer losses on the edges and sides. The mouth has losses on the mouth. The lid has a crack on one back corner and along the edge of the lid on both ends.  

 

An old lacquer box to be used to hide those precious objects.