Description: Chinese lacquer wedding, or gift, basket. From Canton, c. 1900. Gilt handle, and red lacquer body. The body is bound with two strips of tin, at the top and bottom. The latch assembly is made of iron.

History: Lacquer is a natural substance obtained from the lacquer tree. The tree is indigenous to China, which is why China leads the world in lacquer resources. When an object is coated with lacquer, it can no longer be distinguished as being made from a certain of material, therefore, all objects coated with lacquer are referred to as lacquerware. Lacquerware is moisture-proof and resistant to heat, acid, and alkali, and its color and luster can easily last beyond a few hundred years, adding beauty to its practical use. Many different areas are fit to grow the lacquer or varnish tree, but most of the raw lacquer comes from 5 provinces: Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan. Lacquerware extends back to the remote ages of China. Lacquer-painted black pottery objects existed during the Neolithic Age. Ancient Chinese found that the sap of lacquer trees has a strong adhesive quality as well as a beautiful gloss, and so it was used as a protective, adhesive, and beautifying agent for implements.

Provenance: Helen & Dr. Roland Kohen, Miami, FL

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 4 | Height(in) = 12.25 | Width(in) = 12.5 | Depth(in) = 10

Size of Artwork(in): 12.25" x 12.5" x 10"

Artist Name: N/A

Medium: Wood

Circa: c. 1900

Age appropriate wear, all over light scratches and wear to the edges.