Carved Lacquer Box

Most of the lacquerware in the National Palace Museum collection dates from the Ming and Ching dynasties. The round box pictured here is an example of carved lacquerware made during the reign of Emperor Yung Lo (1403-1424) of the Ming dynasty. The piece, 26.8cm. in diameter, is decorated with peonies and other floral designs. It was made by mixing brick dust, pig's blood and asphalt and placing it in a wood or tin mold. The surface was overlaid repeatedly with red lacquer until it had accumulated to a considerable thickness. At least 36 layers were required for the best lacquerware. Engraving, always done by a skilled craftsman, started before the lacquer had set. After the lacquer was dried completely, rough edges were burnished and the surface polished to finish the work.