Cup Decorated with Figural Scene

Noteworthy in Paderewski’s Far Eastern art collection is a set of Chinese carved lacquer pieces. This exotic material, imported to Europe from the sixteenth century, enjoyed particular demand among collectors. The technique of coating a wooden core with layers of coloured lacquer was pioneered and put into general practice in China. Known from as early as the second millennium BC, lacquer’s excellent insulation properties and durability meant it was used in utilitarian objects as well as decorative items.