Chinese lacquer art: Plate with dragon and cloud motifs, ca. 1573–1620

Chinese lacquer carving involves applying several layers of lacquer to a base (usually wood). Before a new layer can be applied, each individual layer must first dry, which can take hours or sometimes weeks. Once the layers of lacquer are finished, motifs such as abstract shapes ("guri" or "sword-pommel pattern"), landscapes, animals, plants, religious motifs, or dragons are carved into them. In addition to red lacquer – as in the plate with dragon and cloud motifs shown here – black and sometimes yellow lacquer is also used.

Dish (Pan) with Dragon amid Clouds, lacquer art, 1573–1620, unknown artist; image source: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, http://collections.lacma.org/node/247515, public domain.