Chinese Lacquer Lidded Bowl

A squat, rounded box with a pale lid center ringed by a red circle.

This lidded bowl in lacquerware and rattan is from China, and dates to the 19th century. Coiled and woven bases covered with lacquer are known from several Asian regions, including southern China, and the technique allows thin walls with a smooth finish. A wide, low, lidded form with a dome of dull silvery-grey at the top, encircled by a red band. Ribbed panels with tapered ends run around the sides. The finish is dark and crackled with small losses and a bluish scrawl on one side. It is 5.5 inches high and 14 in diameter.

Rather like a button the size of a hatbox.