Craft
Width:14 x Height:17 x Diameter:14 (cm)
高:17,直徑(口):4,直徑(底):7.5,腹圍:44,直徑:14
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 vase features a small rounded mouth, broad shoulders, and a rounded body that tapers to a circular base, with the base flaring slightly outward. The core is made of wood. The interior, exterior, and base are all coated with black lacquer. The exterior surface displays a dense pattern of raised gold-colored textures. The process began with coating the surface in black lacquer, followed by sprinkling plant fibers over the surface. Another layer of black lacquer was then applied. After the lacquer dried, silver foil was applied, followed by a coating of raw lacquer. The final surface was polished, wiped, and partially burnished. Under the translucent amber tone of the raw lacquer, the silver foil appears golden, while the texture created by the embedded plant fibers produces a shimmering interplay of light and shadow.
Accession number:20170300197