Cup with guri ornaments

Chinese Collection

Accession Nr.: 4990
Type: vessel; lacquers
Date of production:
15th century
Ming dynasty
Place of production:
Materials: lacquer; silver; wood
Techniques: carved
Dimensions: height: 4.2 cm
diameter: 5.8 cm
Earliest pieces of Chinese carved lacquerware originate from the Song period. They are decorated with guri ornaments: the Japanese expression refers to objects with heart or geometric scroll motifs. Deep scroll motifs are carved with V-shaped edge in the thick lacquer. The creative carvings of guri lacquerware reflect the silverware of the era, which is why the inner surface of objects is often silver-plated.