Craft

Width:14.7 x Height:9.4 x Diameter:14.7 (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 work is a wooden circular box with a slightly flared rim. The exterior walls are curved, tapering to a rounded base with an inward groove near the bottom. The box is topped with a circular lid featuring a raised center. The interior walls, base, and inner lid are coated with black lacquer. The exterior walls and lid display a striking combination of black and red. The red areas were created using the Goto-nuri (Goto-style lacquer) technique. Two layers of red lacquer were first applied, and while still workable, distinctive patterns were made using fingertips or tools. A layer of transparent lacquer was then added, followed by polishing. The black areas were coated with black lacquer. Finally, both the red and black sections were polished, wiped, and burnished to complete the piece. The interplay of textures and tones lends the box an elegant and refined character.

Accession number:20170300198