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What scenes and creatures appeared on lacquer objects from the state of Chu?
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lacquerwork
Imperial Chinese throne of the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1735–96), red lacquer carved in dragons and floral scrolls, Qing dynasty; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Lacquer objects from the state of Chu, which flourished during the Warring States period, are noted for their lively and elegant designs. These items frequently depict the following scenes and creatures:
- Scenes: Artisans often painted hunting scenes, as well as depictions of chariots and horsemen.1
- Creatures: The decorations commonly feature fantastic winged creatures drawn from folklore.1
These designs were typically executed in a simple but lively style, often utilizing the fluid, curvilinear motions characteristic of brush-applied lacquer. Such imagery was not limited to small utensils; large-scale items, including coffins, were also adorned with these motifs.1