Pair of lunch boxes; China or Vietnam, c. 1920.

Pair of lunch boxes; China or Vietnam, c. 1920.
Lacquered wood and mother of pearl.
They present faults and restorations.
Measurements: 39 x 28 x 25 cm; 42 x 30 x 25 cm.
Pair of lunch boxes made of black lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl appliqués. Although both have differences in size and ornamental motifs, both the ornamental technique and the carving are identical. They have a rounded body that is divided into three exterior registers. Both pieces end in a rigid handle.
The Chinese lacquer technique, an ancestral art that dates back to millennia in the history of Asia. Made from the resin of the lacquer tree, this technique combines patience, skill and a deep connection with nature. Lacquer-coated objects are characterized not only by their luster and polished surfaces, but also by their durability and resistance over time, attributes that have made them coveted treasures. From ornate chests to decorative screens, these pieces encapsulate stories, traditions and symbolism. Their intricate creation process, which includes meticulous layering and gilded or hand-painted details, elevates their value, transforming them into masterpieces that transcend the functional to become cultural relics of incalculable importance.