Bulletin Autumn 1977

Exhibition of Chinese Lacquer Sung - Ch'ing An Exhibition of Chinese Lacquer from the Sung to Ch'ing periods was held at the Art Gallery of the Institute of Chinese Studies from 14th May to 14th June, 1977. This selection of over 20 exhibits consisted mainly of various types of carved lacquer ware of the Yuan and Ming dynasties, as well as plain lacquer trays of Sung dynasty and pieces decorated with different kinds of inlay of Ming dynasty. Many pieces bear inscriptions which date the ware. Lacquer has been used in China since very early times and very refined lacquer ware was already produced in the Warring States period, especially in the region of Ch'u. In the Han dynasty, lacquer-making was so highly developed that it had become the most valuable ware, replacing those made of bronze. Decoration of early lacquer ware was mainly in the form of colour painting on plain lacquer. In the Sung and Yuan dynasties carving on lacquer had already developed into one of the major techniques and carved lacquer ware represents some of the most distinguished artistic creations in Yuan and Ming dynasties. (Photographs by Mr. Ma Tse-kin)