By Tan It Koon
I have given several invited lectures in Taiwan. On one occasion, when the Society of Clinical Pathology invited me as a guest speaker, I was honoured to receive a pair of Red Cinnabar Lacquer Carving plates featuring dragon and phoenix as well as a set of four 24K-gold plated bronze book markers featuring: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, known in Chinese culture as the 4 four gentlemen.
Let me introduce to you one of the ancient Chinese art forms, 剔雕红漆 Red Cinnabar Lacquer carvings, which first appeared in the 12th century. Cinnabar is the bright scarlet to a brick-red form of mercury(II) sulfide (HgS). It is the most common ore source for refining elemental mercury and is the historical source for the brilliant red or scarlet pigment termed vermilion and associated red mercury pigments. Although lacquer is used in many Asian cultures, the art of carving lacquer is unique to China. Carved lacquer, predominantly red, is often known as “cinnabar lacquer”, a reference to using this powdered mercury sulphide as the primary colorant.
In the carved-lacquer technique, multiple layers (often thirty or thirty-five, but at times up to two hundred) are applied onto a substructure in the shape of a box or dish, exposed to air and dried, and carved to create lush geometric motifs, engaging scenes of figures enjoying nature, and lively birds flitting among flowers.
Both the lacquer plates and gold bookmarks set were reproductions of its precious antique exhibits of the Palace Museum in Taipei.
Please also enjoy other Carved Lacquer objects I acquired from China.
Dr. Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr. Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry of SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in public
