Craft

Width:35.6 x Height:3.6 x Diameter:35.6 (cm)

高:3.6,直徑(口:)35.6,直徑(底):26.5cm

Accession Number：20170300206

Chen Huo-Ching (1914-2001, Taichung) was a master of lacquer art in Taiwan. After graduating from Chingshui Public School, he apprenticed at the Yamaka Lacquerware Studio in Taichung, where he trained in traditional lacquer techniques. Upon completing his studies, he remained at the studio as an artisan and later taught part-time at the Taichung Craft Training Institute, which eventually became a specialized craft school. Following World War II, Chen worked for the Air Force, where he was responsible for aircraft painting. After leaving this position due to health issues and personal loss, he devoted himself fully to lacquerware creation at home. In the 1960s, a peak period for Taiwan’s lacquerware exports to Japan, Chen served as a technical consultant to lacquerware companies and founded his own firm to fulfill Japanese commissions. From 1984 onward, he contributed extensively to the education and promotion of lacquer art, serving as an instructor at the Taiwan Provincial Handicraft Research Institute and the National Palace Museum. His contributions to the industry were highly influential, and in 1998, he was recognized by the Ministry of Education as a Master of Important Folk Art.
This wooden plate features a five-lobed shape resembling a plum blossom, with a slightly flared rim, shallow sloping walls, and a flat base. The exterior is coated in black lacquer, while the interior features a vermilion base. Near the upper right of the center, the phrase “Five Blessings Bloom from the Plum” (梅開五福) is inscribed in seal script using black lacquer. In the lower left, two sprigs of plum blossoms are painted: the stamens outlined in red lacquer, and the petals rendered in yellow. The blossoms vary in form, some in bud and others in full bloom. Behind them, stylized cloud patterns in black lacquer subtly emerge against the red background through the polishing technique. The overall composition and color palette convey an air of elegance and refinement.