Pair of Lacquered Vases

A gift to the Soviet people on the 40th anniversary of the

October revolution by the state delegation of the People's

Republic of China led by Mao Zedong, 1957

Two large red vases, made in

traditional Chinese technique

of hot lacquer. This valuable

gift was given to Soviet leader

Nikita Khrushchev during the

visit of the state delegation

of the People's Republic of

China to the Soviet Union in

Nikita Khrushchev receives Chinese delegation headed by the

Chairman of PRC Mao Zedong. Moscow 25 November, 1957

1957.

These half-meter tall vases are fine specimens of the

traditional Chinese art of carving on hot lacquer.

These ancient techniques are carefully preserved and

transmitted from generation to generation.

The process: first a metallic or wooden base is

covered with several layers of the blood

Jap varnish tree growing only in China and

Japan. When hot lacquer coating (which might

consist of up to 250 layers) is thick enough, an

artist cuts out decorative motifs.

Toxicodendron vernicifluum

(Agi, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Pref., Japan)

To make such a piece, one requires not

only high levels of skill, but also a lot

of speed, because lacquer dries and stiffens

very quickly, after which an ornament would

be impossible to carve.

The skilfulness of the artist who decorated

these two vases is just amazing. Not

only are the motifs meticulous and extremely

sophisticated but they are also absolutely

symmetric. There is some symbolism behind

this symmetry meaning a wish of harmony.

Collection custodian:

“The red colour of the vases is no accident. From ancient times it was the

symbol of the sun, fire, joy and festivity. In China red is believed to bring

people warmth, light, determination and strength. Another particular feature

layered flower motifs. This makes the vases look quite special, adding a

multi-layered flower motifs. This makes the vases look quite special, adding

mysterious shine and play of shades to the surface so you never can tell

whether it is matt or glossy. In China, lacquer carving is also used to

decorate bigger pieces like screens and different kinds of furniture.”