Untitled

Gan Erke

2011 · Wood with layers of colored lacquer and gold leaf · Asian Art

This magnificent box epitomizes the top-quality of contemporary Chinese lacquerware. Recognized in 2012 as a National Crafts Master of China, the artist, Gan Erke, has established a new standard for lacquer craftsmanship as well as reinvigorating this traditional art with new technical innovations. Preeminent among Gan’s varied lacquer styles is the marbled technique known as “rhinoceros hide” (xipi), a kind of millefiori effect achieved through the application of multiple layers of colored lacquer. Gan not only picked up this traditional craft, but also added new innovations, most notably his bold color combinations—evidenced here. The predominance green pigment together with gold foil is a color scheme for which there is no historical precedent. Rather, this represents the artist’s innovative aesthetic experimentation.

Artist

Gan Erke

Date

2011

Medium

Wood with layers of colored lacquer and gold leaf

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of the artist, 2021