Green Lacquer Scratchwork Pot - Ca 1910 Material - Coral or everyday objects

or everyday objects

This cabinet is not an antique

99 x 8 x 204 (wxdxh cms)

This piece is from the Jaipur School of painting

an area in northern Rajasthan

Green Lacquer Scratchwork Pot - Ca 1910 Material - Coral or everyday objectsIndian lacquer boxes like this one were used for storing jewellery or bindi (the red powder that Indian ladies apply to the forehead signifying the third eye). Lacquering is done by the craftsman on a hand powered lathe. The wooden pot is spun and a lac stick is pressed against the pot. As the pot spins friction softens the lac which coats the surface of the wood. Quite intricate designs can be created by the craftsman using different techniques.