Stylish Pair Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer and Brass Miniature Vases of traditional form, early Twentieth Century.  Each decorated with traditional chinese scenes. Condition: Good condition with no imperfections, one vase is a shade lower.

Cinnabar Lacquer Art Carving dates back about 2300 years in China. The exact date for the first piece produced is of course unknown. The lacquer itself comes from a   native Chinese tree sap from what is simply called the lacquer tree, a type of sumac. It is produced with a trunk tapping process much like that of the rubber tree. Mineral pigments such as cinnabar or iron oxide are added to the lacquer for the dark red colour. Over a hundred coats of the lacquer may be needed to get the necessary thickness for carving. These layers are applied over a solid base of copper or perhaps wood. Because each coat must dry before the next is applied, the process takes many months to complete a single piece.