Pair Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Panels with Jade & Gemstone Magpie Inlay

Description

Amazing Pair of Finely Carved Chinese Qing Cinnabar Lacquer Panels with jade and gemstone Inlay of Magpies and Plum Blossoms and flowers in wooden and Glass frames Each rectangular panel is set within a hardwood frame with a shaped metal suspension mount at the top. The ground is carved from bright red cinnabar lacquer, worked in shallow relief with a repeating geometric diaper pattern across the upper field and flowing linear striations across the central register. Against this carved lacquer ground, branches of plum blossom extend diagonally, supporting perched and descending magpies. The birds and flowers are executed in carved hardstones including green jade, jadeite, lapis lazuli, malachite, agate, and tiger eye. The feathers are defined through incised detailing, with contrasting inlays for wings and tail plumes. Blossoms are composed from layered petals in varied stone tones, with raised stamens at the centers. Rockwork at the base is carved in darker stone, supporting additional flowering branches. The composition is arranged in high relief, with each element individually carved and set into the lacquer surface. The panels are constructed in the technique known as carved lacquer with hardstone inlay, "雕漆嵌玉". The imagery corresponds to the traditional theme of magpies and plum blossoms, often referred to as “喜鹊登梅” This subject appears in decorative arts as a symbol of auspicious messages associated with spring. The magpie, pronounced “xi que,” is associated with the word “xi,” meaning joy or happiness, and is therefore linked to the arrival of good news. The plum blossom, “mei,” blooms in late winter and early spring and is connected with renewal and seasonal transition. When depicted together, the imagery of magpies perched among plum branches conveys the arrival of joyful news and the promise of renewal. Cinnabar lacquer of this type is built through successive applications of lacquer layers, later carved to reveal the patterned surface. The inlaid stones are shaped and polished before being set flush into the carved recesses. The carving of feathers, petals, and branches demonstrates controlled incision and consistent depth. The surfaces remain intact, with clear pattern definition and stable inlays. The preservation of the lacquer ground and the completeness of the hardstone elements indicate careful handling. The scale, variety of materials, and level of carving indicate a work of substantial quality. Plaque: 17.75” x 29.5”H

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