Description: Document box from imperial China, c. 1900. Red lacquer over a leather body, brass hinge, latch and handle. Top is decorated with a "heavenly" dragon, in black. Box is in a drawer style.

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) = 1.5 | Height(in) = 2.625 | Width(in) = 6.75 | Depth(in) = 11.5

Size of Artwork(in): 2.625 x 6.75 x 11.5"

Artist Name: N/A

Medium: Lacquered leather, brass

Circa: C. 1900

Good condition, wear to edges, typical of age and use.