Craft

Width:29.8 x Height:3.4 x Diameter:29.8 (cm)

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 round wooden plate features shallow straight walls and a flat base. On the lower section of the interior, two peony blossoms—one in bud and the other in full bloom—are delicately painted in vermilion, green, and pale yellow lacquer. Surrounding them, the branches and leaves spread in varied and graceful forms, evoking a sense of prosperity and abundance. The entire surface is coated in black lacquer, with the floral design applied directly onto the base. In the lower left of the interior, the characters “Hsin Te” (欣德) are inscribed in regular script using red lacquer. A transparent amber-toned lacquer is then applied over the entire interior. The final steps—polishing, buffing, and glazing—bring out the design, inscription, and wood grain beneath. This decorative technique is known as “overlay lacquer” or “bright overlay.” “Hsin Te” is the name of the company established by Chen Huo-Ching in 1976.

Accession number:20170300203