A RARE CHINESE QIANGJIN LACQUER VESSEL, 15TH CENTURY   明 十五世紀 嘉靖黑漆戧金酒杯 Now formed as a large footed bowl, the deep U-shaped wood body raised on a short spreading foot, the lacquer finely incised and gilt with a broad composite floral scroll beneath a classic scroll band at the rim Height: 17.5cm Diameter: 18cm The technique of engraving fine linear designs on lacquer and then filling them in with gold (`qiangjin`) has its origins in the Song dynasty, following the model of the chased silver vessels of the Tang and Song. Its fully developed form can be seen in the Xuande period (1426 - 1435), when it became an imperial craft The result of RCD Lockinge Radiocarbon Dating Measurement Report, no. RCD-8139 is consistent with the suggested date of manufacture Condition Report The bowl has an 8 and a 12cm long hairline rim crack and a light overall crackle to the lacquer on the exterior.