Chinese Black Tixi Lacquer Paste Box

Possibly Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Of circular shape, the top finely carved to the interior through thick layers of alternate black and red lacquer with a row of ruyi-heads enclosing a circle of pommel scrolls.

H. 1 in, D. 3 in.

Note: Carved, 'marbled' lacquer (tixi), a variety unique to China, was made from at least the Song dynasty (A.D. 960–1279) onwards. In this labor-intensive technique, several layers of thin lacquer in varying colors are applied to a wood substratum, each layer being left to harden before the next is added. Once this coating has built up to a considerable thickness, grooves may be cut into the lacquer, revealing a series of colored bands.

Condition: Abrasion, nicks, etc., commensurate with age.
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