Chinese Lacquer Pillow

Deep red lacquer cracked like old paint on a weathered barn door.

This lacquerware pillow is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, and it is applied in thin layers that harden into a smooth, durable surface. A chunky, boxy form with a gently curved top and thick black ends. The red coating is mottled with dark brown and amber patches and is crazed with fine lines. The corners are rounded and the surface has a heavy gloss. It is 12 inches wide, 4.5 deep and 4.5 high.

A weathered face, and proud of every crack.