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Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year to you all!
I recently purchased this cinnabar box (my first) and plan on giving it to a friend. When selecting it on Ebay I was drawn to the tree. When it first arrived my partner insisted that it must be moulded but upon researching it I found out it is hand carved (there are giveaway lines in the angled cuts from the layers). I think it dates from the 1880s (it is not marked "China" or "Made in China") and was a typical example of an export gift item.
One thing I don't understand is how they made the background linear decoration pattern. It's so small it's hard to believe that is carved as well. I am guessing it's a combination of carved relief with moulded appliqué.
Do you have a favorite Chinese cinnabar item? I'd love to learn more.
Regards,
Steve
Hi Steve,
I think your partner is correct. This box looks like resin.
If you take a earbud and dip it into nail polish then carefully swab a small area. If the bud turn a reddish colour then it's genuine. If not it's resin.
The reason I think it's resin is the evidence of pit holes.
Mark
Hi, Steve and Mark,
I am not seeing the pits. It is positively hand-carved and not molded--but well-defined layers in the lacquer are not obvious, unless that is what is showing up just above the head of the taller gentleman. Do they ever make a thick layer of resin or composite, and then hand-carve it?
I have a very similar piece, deeply carved, but also not showing very good layers in the lacquer. Here are some photos. I tried the swab test, and it did turn a reddish color. My piece is very dark--it was darkened with ink or some other stain after being carved. At a later date, repairs were made (see the blue circles and the bottom of the piece)--it is not is as good shape as Steve's. It is obvious it was carved--look at the closeup of the greek key pattern. It is also clear that whoever carved it used a small and incredibly sharp knife!
I think the similarities to Steve's piece are obvious, so I am also interested in the age of these boxes! The lack of well-defined layers in the lacquer these two boxes is a bit puzzling to me.
Charles
Hi Charles Bryan,
If the swab turns reddish colour then you can be certain it's a lacquer box.
The other example is difficult to determine by way of the pictures. Thats why I suggested the simple test. I saw what looks like pit marks. But I am not 100% sure.
I am not an expert nor a collector of cinnabar objects. I think yours is probably early 20th century.
It's a beautiful example.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Here is a photo that shows signs of blade marks. I can't see any bubbles - it was the first thing I looked for when I learned about the differences.
I have no nail polish in the house unfortunately.
-Steve
Hi Charles,
That's a nice one!
Mine is damaged and is missing a tile on the side.
It was interesting browsing for them on Ebay; some were obviously new and moulded, others were older and carved. Prices range from $200-$30.
I don't collect lacquer but I noticed this incense box sold for a higher price than an early yaozhou bowl in an auction I followed online. Probably a Ming example? I liked it but I got a piece potentially worth much more in the same sale for less. Also Ming by the way ...
Hi Steve,
That close-up really shows the layering in the lacquer! (you can see the layers crossing the slanted surfaces) I am certain that your box is lacquer now.
Avatar, what a spectacular little circular box. The really good lacquer is just amazing in it's beauty.
Hi Steve,
On viewing your additional image is still in my opinion inconclusive. Your image still blurs when expanded etc.
The only true way is the suggestion I posted earlier. It does not have to be nail polish remover. Acetone should work just as well.
There is a excellent post on lacquer posted yesterday.
Try it out and please let us know the results.
Mark
Hi Mark,
It's a clear picture on my computer screen. It was in focus when I took it. I had to reduce the size to post it here, of course, and I reduced it to 800 tall - should be detailed enough.
I will look at the earlier post and be on the lookout for the chemicals as you suggested. (ETA: What is the name of the post?)
Thank you,
Steve
Hi Steve,
I am using a Huawei mobile phone with small images etc. It's difficult at the best of times when viewing items etc.
The cost of nail polish remover is very low and probably available at a chemist and a wide variety of department stores etc. Perhaps a friend (female) or even a neighbor.
If it does turn out to be cinnabar please wash of the polish with soapy water.
Mark
Hi Mark,
This week I'm headed to the hardware store and I'll pick up some acetone & let you know.
I'm confident it's hand-carved but we'll see.
Regards,
-Steve
I tried the nail polish remover test and the q-tip barely turned color. In fact, it looks like it was just removing a little grey dirt. I tried it in many places. (see first photo)
Just to compare, Ganesha was willing to be tested as well. He's a new, obviously moulded plastic figure (see the lines on his bottom). The q-tip turned red with hardly any wiping at all. (see the second photo)
So in conclusion it looks like my box is some kind of fake but not like the contemporary ones? Also, the q-tip obviously turns color when tested on a fake.
Just for fun, I think I'll ask Peter. I'll let you know what he says.
-S
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