Complete Collection of Chinese Lacquerware, Volume 4: Three Kingdoms: Yuan

Author: Chen Jing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-12-01
Features: This volume includes 180 exquisite lacquerware pieces from the Three Kingdoms to the Yuan Dynasty, collected from museums, cultural relic institutions, and archaeological sites across the country, presented in 268 color illustrations. Most of these artifacts are newly discovered from tombs, pagoda burials, and archaeological sites. The lacquerware unearthed from Three Kingdoms tombs still reflects the rich roots of Han Dynasty lacquer craftsmanship, while this period also saw the emergence of gold-inlaid and rhino hide lacquerware. From the polychrome lacquerware found in Eastern Jin and Northern Wei tombs, one can see the magnificent style of lacquer paintings with vibrant color rendering. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, lacquerware craftsmanship once again reached a peak of artistic excellence. Exquisite inlaid mother-of-pearl lacquerware, luxurious gold-and-silver openwork lacquerware, and other masterpieces flourished. The volume features numerous treasures of Song Dynasty lacquerware, including gold-leafed lacquerware with radiant gold, magnificent red-and-pearl inlaid lacquerware, and gold-inlaid lacquerware with a fresh and elegant style. Notably, a batch of newly unearthed rhino hide lacquerware from Fuzhou showcases exceptionally refined and fluid carving, serving as an example of "Fuxi." The Yuan Dynasty's carved lacquer reached its zenith. In addition to collecting a batch of (handdowns), including works by the famous Yuan Dynasty lacquer craftsmen Zhang Cheng and Yang Mao, the volume also includes two carved lacquer pieces unearthed from Yuan Dynasty tombs. These are unparalleled lacquer art treasures preserved in the layers of history, the (masterpieces) of ingenious and highly skilled craftsmen across generations, reflecting the splendid and colorful charm of Chinese lacquer culture over more than a thousand years.