Late 19th C China Chinese Black Lacquerware Gold Engraved Vase Chariots 8”

Description

On this great day on the Bay, from a Seattle estate, we are delighted to offer this rare and beautiful vintage Chinese black lacquerware vase. We believe this piece dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is decorated with ancient Chinese war chariots motifs. The production of this vase employed the technique of "engraved gold" (qiangjin), in which  an adhesive of lacquer is applied to fine lines incised on the lacquer surface, and gold foil or powdered gold is pressed into the grooves; and "filled-in" (diaotian or tianqi). It measures 8” high x 3.75” diameter. The vase is in very good condition with nicks on the rim, rubbing and light scratches consistent with age and use.
In Chinese art, the word lacquerware refers to a variety of decorative techniques used to coat wood, bamboo, metal or other surfaces, with a hard, resinous finish and obtained from a species of tree (indigenous to China) known as Toxicodendron vernicifluum, commonly called the Lacquer Tree. The technique dates to the Neolithic era, when lacquering was originally intended as a form of waterproof protection for wood and bamboo, but the process rapidly became a greatly valued method of decorating fine objects. Now a highly skilled decorative art, it often involves the application of many layers of lacquer to the core material, which is time-consuming and extremely costly.
We ask that you carefully review the photos as they tell so much more than we can articulate; and that you zoom in for a closer look at any and all condition issues.
We welcome questions and encourage you to ask before reaching a buying decision. Fixed rate shipping applies to US buyers only.
As always, we thank you for taking a moment to consider this piece. And when you have time to browse, we welcome your visit to our EBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/thehuntendshere
Shipped by USPS Priority Mail