Tables

Definition

In the context of lacquerware, tables refer to decorative and functional pieces of furniture that showcase intricate craftsmanship and artistry. These tables often serve as a canvas for the application of lacquer techniques, which include layering, painting, and inlaying materials to create visually stunning surfaces. The use of tables in lacquerware highlights the importance of combining utility with artistic expression in early Chinese art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tables made from lacquerware often feature elaborate designs that include motifs such as landscapes, animals, and mythical creatures, reflecting cultural beliefs and artistic trends of the time.
2. The process of creating a lacquer table can involve multiple layers of lacquer applied over a wooden frame, with each layer taking time to dry before the next is added for durability and shine.
3. Chinese lacquerware tables have been influential in other cultures, inspiring similar decorative practices in regions such as Japan and Southeast Asia.
4. In ancient China, lacquer tables were often associated with the elite and were used during formal gatherings, highlighting their significance as symbols of status and sophistication.
5. The techniques used in crafting lacquer tables have evolved over centuries but still maintain traditional methods such as hand-painting and detailed carving.

Review Questions

• How do lacquerware tables exemplify the relationship between functionality and artistry in early Chinese art?
  • Lacquerware tables perfectly showcase how functionality and artistry blend together in early Chinese art. While these tables serve practical purposes as furniture, their intricate designs and craftsmanship elevate them to works of art. The application of lacquer techniques transforms an ordinary table into a visually striking piece that reflects cultural values, beliefs, and artistic trends of the time.
• Discuss the significance of motifs used on lacquer tables in relation to Chinese culture and beliefs.
  • Motifs on lacquer tables hold significant cultural importance as they often symbolize prosperity, harmony, and auspiciousness. Common themes include landscapes that depict serenity or mythical creatures representing good fortune. These designs not only beautify the table but also convey deeper meanings that reflect the values and aspirations within Chinese society. By analyzing these motifs, we can gain insights into the historical context and artistic priorities of the period.
• Evaluate how the evolution of techniques in making lacquer tables has influenced modern decorative arts.
  • The evolution of techniques in making lacquer tables has profoundly influenced modern decorative arts by introducing new methods and aesthetics that continue to be utilized today. Traditional hand-painting and layering techniques have been adapted into contemporary designs, allowing artisans to explore innovative expressions while paying homage to their roots. This blending of ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires new interpretations in furniture design across various cultures.

Related terms

Lacquer:

A glossy finish applied to wood and other surfaces, made from the sap of the lacquer tree, used in various decorative arts.

Inlay:

A decorative technique where materials like ivory, wood, or metal are embedded into the surface of an object to create patterns or images.

Chinoiserie: A European artistic style that imitates Chinese motifs and techniques, particularly evident in the decorative arts during the 17th and 18th centuries.