Cinnabar Lacquer Plate Value Guide

This mid-century Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Plate is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship, featuring a meticulously carved pagoda and mountainous landscape. These pieces are highly collectible due to the labor-intensive process of layering red lacquer over a wooden base before hand-carving intricate cultural motifs.

What Is Cinnabar Lacquer Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Cinnabar Lacquer Plate is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intricacy and precision of the hand-carved scenery, specifically the detail in the pagoda and foliage.
• Overall physical condition, as chips or cracks in the brittle lacquer layers significantly reduce market value.
• The diameter of the plate, with larger examples typically commanding prices at the higher end of the $75-$120 range.
• The vibrancy of the red pigment and the absence of fading or discoloration from UV exposure.

How to Identify Cinnabar Lacquer Plate?

• Examine the carving depth; authentic pieces show distinct layers of red lacquer applied over a solid wood core.
• Look for the characteristic deep cinnabar red color, which should be consistent across the entire decorative surface.
• Inspect the underside for signs of age appropriate for the 1950-1970 era, such as minor wear on the base rim.
• Verify the complexity of the landscape; authentic mid-century exports feature high-relief details in the pagoda and mountain structures.

History of Cinnabar Lacquer Plate

Cinnabar lacquerware is a traditional Chinese art form dating back centuries. It involves applying numerous thin layers of red lacquer, often over a wooden or metal base, and then meticulously carving intricate designs into the hardened material. This technique requires immense skill and patience, as each layer must dry before the next is applied, and the carving itself is a delicate process that reveals the varying depths of the lacquer. The deep red color, traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity, makes these pieces highly prized.