Chinese Qing Dynasty Cinnabar Lacquer Round Box with Scholar Scene

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty. A round covered box of carved cinnabar lacquer with a black-lacquered interior, resting on a short foot. On the lid, a key-fret band frames a roundel in which a robed scholar holds an unrolled scroll as a young attendant brings a bundle, beneath a gnarled tree and a hanging willow, with rocks and distant hills beyond. The sides are deeply carved with curling waves and leaping fish. The leaping carp was a common symbol of success in the civil service examinations, a theme echoed by the scholar on the lid. Carved red lacquer (tihong) is made by brushing many thin coats of lacquer onto a core. The lacquer is colored with cinnabar, a natural mercury sulfide. Each coat has to cure before the next goes on. Once the layers are thick enough, the carver cuts down through them to make the scene in relief. Because a slip can't be fixed, every cut has to be right the first time. Please note that the red pigment on this piece contains up to 53% mercury. This item contains mercury, a toxic substance. It should be handled with caution. We recommend storing it in a sealed display case. Item # 205571

Estimate:$800

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