Vintage Carved Black Lacquer Covered Jar

Overview A handsome cinnabar‑style lidded jar in glossy jet‑black lacquer, carved in deep relief with birds perched among peony branches against a tight diamond diaper ground. The domed lid is richly pierced with scrolling foliate work and topped with a bud finial. At just under seven inches tall, it is a compact statement piece with great surface and silhouette. Highlights • Carved black lacquer look with high‑relief bird‑and‑peony panels • Pierced and carved lid with bud finial • Continuous diaper ground and key‑fret reserves • Moody all‑black palette that plays beautifully with light • Ready to display, great gift for lovers of Asian decorative arts Why you will love it The dramatic, all‑black finish abstracts the classic cinnabar vocabulary into something graphic and modern. It reads as both traditional and contemporary, so it works equally well in Chinoiserie rooms, Japandi spaces, or a neutral shelf vignette that needs texture. Dating and background Likely Chinese export work from the mid‑20th century (circa 1960s–1980s). Executed in the cinnabar tradition—built‑up lacquer or lacquered composite carved in relief—often made for the Western market. Exact composition is unknown without testing; I am listing it as lacquer or lacquered resin in the cinnabar style rather than as antique carved cinnabar lacquer. Styling Group with blue‑and‑white porcelains for a classic Chinoiserie moment, mix into a black‑and‑brass vignette, or set on a stack of books on a console or nightstand. The pierced lid adds nice shadow play under direct light. Care Dust with a soft dry cloth only. Avoid abrasives, chemical cleaners, or soaking. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight and high humidity. Dimensions Height 6 7/8 in • Diameter about 4 1/4 in across the shoulder. Condition Good vintage condition with minor rubs and tiny lacquer losses consistent with age. No cracks or structural issues noted. Please review photos as part of the description.