China, 1368-1644. Of circular form, the domed cover deeply carved through the alternating cinnabar-red and black layers with five swirling pommels surrounding the central point, the box with further pommels, and the interior lacquered in black.

Provenance: German trade.
Condition: Good condition with expected old wear and manufacturing irregularities, light surface scratches, minute abrasions and warping, a small touchup to the rim of the box.

Weight: 77.7 g
Dimensions: Diameter 7.7 cm

Tixi lacquer is a technique were layers of lacquer in different colors are applied to an object. This type of tixi lacquer is often referred by the Japanese name guri lacquer. The reference is to the most common designs on these wares, which are scrolling patterns. The word guri refers to pommel scroll, which these designs are thought to resemble. The Chinese equivalent Chinese term is jianhuan or sword (pommel) scroll, but these lacquers are most often referred to in Chinese by the term tixi. While the technique of tixi lacquer can be traced at least as far back as the Tang dynasty, it rose to particular popularity in the Song and Yuan periods. The lacquers from these periods particularly prized and are known for the U-shaped profile of their designs.

This type of tixi lacquer is often referred by the Japanese name guri lacquer. The reference is to the most common designs on these wares, which are scrolling patterns. The word guri refers to pommel scroll, which these designs are thought to resemble. The Chinese equivalent Chinese term is jianhuan ('sword [pommel] scroll'), but these lacquers are most often referred to in Chinese by the term tixi. In English the term guri was traditionally used, but Sir Harry Garner proposed the term 'carved marbled ware' instead.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Galerie Zacke Vienna, 10 March 2022, lot 55
Price: EUR 3,286 or approx. EUR 3,600 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A black Tixi lacquer circular box and cover, Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, sword and pommel motif, and tixi lacquer technique. Note the size (10.2 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7 October 2015, lot 3767
Price: HKD 68,750 or approx. EUR 9,600 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A 'tixi' lacquer box and cover, Ming dynasty, 15th/16th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related sword and pommel motif and tixi lacquer technique, as well as the related circular form.