Chinese Lacquer Pillow

Wide at one end and narrow at the other, in black-edged scarlet.

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 tapering, boxy form, broader at the near end, with a glossy black cap on that end and a deep red body. The red coating is streaked with dark patches and a few flaking spots along the edges. It is 12 inches wide, 5 deep and 5 high.

A slightly lopsided silhouette that carries itself well.