Box
1740-1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This delicately japanned box, with a divided interior lining, may have been used for holding snuff. Its lustrous red finish was probably created using the decorative technique of vernis Martin. Inspired by Japanese lacquer, first imported into Europe in the 17th century, numerous French craftsmen experimented with paints and varnishes, trying to find a way to replicate its shine, depth of colour and delicate decoration. The most successful of these were the Martin brothers who were granted a royal privilege to manufacture imitation lacquer by Louis XV in 1733.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Papier mâché decorated with japanning (imitation lacquer); chased and gilded metal hinge and fastening |
| Brief description | Box, papier mâché decorated with japanning (vernis Martin), France, 1740-1770 |
| Physical description | Summary description The lidded oval papier mâché box is decorated with imitation lacquer in black and gold on a red ground, depicting a Japanese house with geese on top and flowers, foliage and birds around the sides. The hinge and fastening are made of chased gold (or gilded metal) and silver. There is an internal tray with two compartments, made of black varnished papier mâché. Decorative scheme |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Alfred Williams Hearn Gift |
| Summary | This delicately japanned box, with a divided interior lining, may have been used for holding snuff. Its lustrous red finish was probably created using the decorative technique of vernis Martin. Inspired by Japanese lacquer, first imported into Europe in the 17th century, numerous French craftsmen experimented with paints and varnishes, trying to find a way to replicate its shine, depth of colour and delicate decoration. The most successful of these were the Martin brothers who were granted a royal privilege to manufacture imitation lacquer by Louis XV in 1733. |
| Bibliographic reference | Jones, Yvonne, Japanned Papier-Mâché and Tinware c. 1740-1940. Woodbridge, Antique Collectors' Club, 2012 (ISBN 978 1 85149 686 0), p. 281, fig. 312 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.44&A-1923 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | November 7, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
