Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl inlay – 18th Century

This type of lacquer box has a inner bamboo core covered with heavy coatings of lacquer. The lacquer surface is further decorated with “wucai” mother of pearl inlay. “Wucai” stands for 5 color decoration. “Wucai” mother of pearl inlay lacquer ware is considered the top line of lacquer ware, and since there were not too many surviving examples they are always well sought after among Chinese Collectors. Judging from the shape and design of the inlay, the piece should have been made tin the 18th Century.