Antique Cinnabar Vase over Blue Enamel & Brass. China
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Cinnabar – red pigmented lacquer – has been used in Chinese arts since 200 BC. Lacquer is from the sap of the Lacquer tree, a native tree of southern China. The lacquer is painted onto a base – in this case, a blue enamel coated brass – in very thin coats and built up through many (100 to 150 coats) layers. The lacquer is then carved to create the flowers and designs. Carving is very time consuming because of the hardness of the lacquer.
This piece is an authentic cinnabar vase and was acquired from a seasoned “cinnabar” collector in Melbourne Australia who has had this vase in his family for over 80 years.
For the Serious Collector of fine art. Stands not included.