Black Lacquer Canton Export Jewellery Cabinet - Early 19th Century

This gilt black lacquer chinoiserie jewllery cabinet is in excellent condition. Made circa 1835 in Canton. Decorated in delicate gilt and black lacquer, is made in an unusual style with regency influences and a simulated roof that is hinged.  It is debatably as good as many of the pieces in the Peabody Essex Museum, the leading museum for Canton chinoiserie ware. 

These black lacquer Chinese chinoiserie cabinets were made for export to wealthy American & British Georgian aristocracy in the Qing dynasty. This intricate and detailed work was made for export to Britain when Chinoiserie was all the rage in the early 19th century. Black lacquer export sewing kits, games boxes, tea caddies, platters & games boards were also made.

This gilt work would have been done using the maki-e technique which was perfected in Japan. This technique involves sprinkling of pure gold dust onto urushi lacquer as it dries. An incredibly sophisticated and advanced technique.  The pillars are less common to see on Chinese export cabinets are have clear Regency style influences. 

These pieces are fragile pieces of history and are usually found damaged, especially the tops, however, the condition of this piece is outstanding. This sewing box has been checked over in our workshop and small restorations made to stop the aging process.



Similar examples and further information can be found in The Decorative Arts of The China Trade by Crossman.

Dimensions:

35.5 x 28 x 52 (wxdxh cms)

From China

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