Chinese Lacquer Lidded Bowl

Shiny black pebble that turns out to have a lid.

This lidded lacquerware bowl from Shanxi is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, and it is built up in thin layers that harden into a durable, water-resistant surface. Lidded round box with a domed top and a smooth, glossy black surface. A faint seam runs around the middle, with small marks near the rim. The form is compact and heavily rounded. It is 5 inches high and 11 in diameter.

Good at keeping its own counsel.