 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
South and Southeast Asian Lacquerware
| GALLERY |
  |
| Writing cases |
 |
| Paper weight |
 |
| Burmese lacquerware box |
 |
| Lacquerware box |
 |
Jewel box |
 |
Goblet |
 |
|
Writing desk |
In addition to the collection of Japanese lacquerware, the Economic Botany Collections also have several fine examples of South and Southeast Asian lacquerware, including examples of Punjabi, Burmese, Malayan, and East Indies origin. Many of these objects were donated by the India Museum in the late 19th century.
South and Southeast Asian lacquerware is very different to Japanese lacquerware. Unlike Japanese lacquer which comes from the sap of the lac tree (Rhus vernicifera), South and Southeast Asian lacquer is shellac, much like that used today in many industrial applications, such as surface coatings, printing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives. This Indian lac comes from the resinous deposits of lac insects (Kerria lacca or Laccifer lacca) on their host trees. Common host trees are Ficus religiosa, Zizyphus, Schleichera, and Butea monosperma .
The pictures here showcase the bold beauty of South and Southeast Asian lacquerware, with examples ranging from writing cases, paperweights, and even a desk, to goblets, jewellery boxes, and bowls. Their decorative detail and riotous colour differs greatly from the asymmetrical simplicity typical of Japanese design.
Back to Japanese Lacquerware
Back to Economic Botany Collection home page