Craft
Width:24.2 x Height:2.1 x Diameter:24.2 (cm)
高:2.1,直徑(口):24.2,直徑(底):23.8
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 circular wooden plate features a flared rim with a jagged edge that extends naturally from the chrysanthemum motif within. Chen first carved two shallow-relief chrysanthemums and accompanying leaves on the interior of the plate. The surface was then coated with two layers of red lacquer. The floral design was further enhanced with additional layers of yellow, red, and grass-green lacquer, while the exterior walls and base were finished in black lacquer. The two chrysanthemums display distinct postures, with gracefully flowing lines in the petals and leaves. The entire composition is finely detailed and vibrant. Through multiple stages of polishing and buffing, the layered lacquers achieve a rich depth and dimensional quality that brings the carved motifs vividly to life.
Accession number:20170300173