Description
A fine and rare early 19th-century Chinese export lacquer coffer/ trunk. Circa 1820.
Decorated in soft red, gold and black with exquisite land- and sea-scapes within elegant and intricate stylised scrolling foliage, and a Greek-key border. Retaining its period working lock and key, and side brass carrying handles. The flat top ensuring this is a versatile piece to use for display and/ or storage. Originally this would have transported precious spices, teas etc. Fabric straps, within, hold the lid in position when opened. Black lacquered interior.
In super condition overall. Minor historic repairs entirely commensurate with its age.
Literature:
Gillian Walkling, Chinese Export Furniture, Antique Finder Magazine, April 1977.
Margaret Jourdain and Soame Jenyns, Chinese Export Art in the 18th Century, Spring Publ (1967).
Carl Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade (1991).
The Influence Of East Asian Lacquer On European… V&A › articles › east-asian-lacquer-influence
During the 17th century the predominant Chinese export lacquer product was the folding screen (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).
Lacquerware of East Asia Essay, The Metropolitan Museum… › toah › elac › hd_elac
“Tortoiseshell & Gold”: Robert Davis and the Art of Japanning… Colonial Society › publications › tortoiseshell-gold, TARA HINGSTON CEDERHOLM & CHRISTINE PALMER THOMSON.
Miscellaneous/ related:
V&A /content/ journals/ conservation…
Treatise – japanning and varnishing, etc.
Further references:
See Chinese export coffers in some of the best collections of English furniture such as in Ham House, Osterley Park, and Houghton Hall, England.
