Spotted Lacquer Pot From Rajasthan - Early 20th Century

Indian lacquer pots are true works of art and this colourful lacquer box is an excellent collector's piece. These two-colour spotted pots are from the border area of Rajasthan neighbouring Sindh. This piece is over 100 years old and dates from the early 20th century.

Lacquer boxes are commonly used in Rajasthan and Gujarat for storing jewellery or bindi (the red powder that Indian ladies apply to the forehead).

Lacquering is done by the craftsman on a hand-powered lathe by pressing coloured sticks of lac against the wooden pot. As the pot revolved, the heat generated softened the lac and a thin lacquer of colour was deposited on the wood. Quite intricate designs can be created by the craftsman using different techniques. Patterns have been incised through the top layer of lacquer revealing colours beneath.

International exhibitions in the 19th century stimulated traditional crafts around the world. Sindh became well known for its high quality lac-turned wares. Good quality lacquer pots are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Dimensions:

5.5 x 5.5 x 12 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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