Chinese Export Lacquer Writing Box

A chinese export black lacquer writing box c1840. The lid lifts to reveal a blue velvet writing slope and a lidded compartment for stationary and pens all with lacquer decoration. Interesting to compare this with the French red example; European "jappaning" is raised on the surface whilst Chinese lacquer is flat with gold figures and images. The people pictured in European work are very different to those in Chinese works and European compositions tend to follow established patterns of horizon and perspective.

Dimensions: 34 cm x 31 cm 9 cm