Chinese Cinnabar Box

A rare palace size Chinese carved cinnabar lacquer figural box and cover, Qing Dynasty This palace size box and cover is a rare and exquisite piece of a...

Vintage 20th century red cinnabar trinket box with ring. Hexagonal shaped box with geometric pattern around the sides and lid featuring a pair of figures under a gnarled pine tree. R...

Interesting element probably coming from a lacquered and gilded wood furniture or panel representing a tripod - shaped vase with curved legs with...

A Monumental Chinese Hand-Carved Four Color Cinnabar Lacquer "8" Peach-Form Covered Box on Stand, dating to the late Qing dynasty, circa late 1800's/Early 1900. This piece is constru...

A Magnificent Set of Three Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Vases/cashepots/flower pots; with Gorgeous Chinese Carved Decoration. Thi...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

Chinese cinnabar very finely carved box circa late 18th or early 19th century. The multiple lacquered layers of red over black over amber, the cover carved with a scene of Kwan Yin i...

Pair large antique 19th century Chinese Lacquer and carved wood figures.

Chinese cinnabar covered jar. Decorated all over with scenes of figures, pavilions, pine trees and mountains. Marked "CHINA" on the bottom, circa 1890s.

This is a vintage Cinnabar display plate. A Chinese, decorative serving dish, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Striking carved detail and superb colour Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order Rich red hues profusely carved with relief Oriental scene Attractive flared rim with chased foliate pattern Japanned to the reverse with deep black finish This is a fascinating vintage Cinnabar display plate, with superb relief scene...