This old Chinese paper mache lacquered jar was created by molding together layers of manuscript paper as the frame and applied with black lacquer over the frame before painting a design on the finished surface. So, the jar is very light in weight. The use of the lacquer sealed the jar and prevented the air from entering. Thus, made it ideal to store object in an air tight space to preserve the kept object for a longer lasting period. Such use of lacquer has a very long history in Chinese art, dating back to six or seven thousand years ago when lacquer was applied to food or drink ware to prevent the liquid from leaking. The technique is still being used in China today in its varying ways with different materails and for different types of objects. The lacquer used for these wares, 漆，(pronounced Qi, like the universal energy Qi, but with a different character) came from the sap, the juice, of the Qi tree (漆樹）that is native to China and Southeast Asia.

This storage jar is boldly painted with bright colors, including red, yellow, and green, showing the charming and more carefree character often found on folk art objects. This jar is likely from the early 20th century and from the Shanxi area in northern China.

Dimensions: 9” Diameter (the widest part) x 9 3/4” H

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