Carved cinnabar lacquer panels. China, 18th century, Qianlong reign.

These two panels are part of the imperial furnishings that decorated certain palaces in the Forbidden City. They are made of wood covered with numerous layers of natural lacquer tinted in three colors. The decoration depicts mountainous lakeside landscapes inhabited by figures: immortals, poets, dignitaries, and servants. On the terrace, Taoist immortals hold their attributes: sword, fan, flute, and others. At the bottom of one panel, the Seven Sages study a scroll of painting or calligraphy bearing the Yin-Yang emblem at its center. Many symbols are represented in the form of plants and trees (the Three Friends: pine, bamboo, and plum), lotuses, and peonies, or as animals such as cranes and deer—all auspicious symbols. The decorative elements representing the earth, figures, animals, and plants are lacquer tinted red with mercury sulfide (cinnabar). The sky is tinted ochre, and the lake is anthracite. The carvings are very deep, implying a large number of lacquer layers, as a photograph shows. The original bronze suspensions depict stylized dragon scrolls and flowers. Panels of this type were produced in small numbers, and while it is rare to find one on the art market, it is exceptional to find a pair. This is what makes them so valuable to museums.

In very good condition due to the high quality of execution, with only a few minor imperfections, slight wear, and cracks. No repairs or restorations.
Chinese work from the 18th century, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period.
Dimensions: 112 x 78 x 3.7 mm.

In the 18th century, the Qianlong Emperor, a great art lover, established artists in a district of the Forbidden City called Zaobanchu. This type of panel was carved on-site. However, since Beijing's climate was entirely unsuitable for lacquer to harden, lacquered objects were partly produced in the lacquer workshops of Shuzu, 1000 km south of Beijing, an ideal hot and humid region. The lacquered objects were then transported by canal to Beijing to be carved.