The V&A has an important and substantial collection of lacquer comprising Asian, Islamic and European japanned wares (objects made to imitate East Asian lacquer). Its collection of Japanese lacquer is particularly impressive, and it also has very fine holdings of Chinese and Burmese lacquer.
Lacquer at the V&A
The V&A has an important and substantial collection of lacquer. This includes Asian, Islamic and European japanned wares (objects made to imitate East Asian lacquer).
Read article
Korean Red Lacquer Chest
This Korean red lacquer chest inlaid with mother-of-pearl decoration was purchased by a curator from the Ceramics Department who was sent to China and Korea to buy acquisit…
Read article
Japanese export lacquer panel
This Japanese lacquer panel was almost certainly the top of a chest made around 1640 for the European market.
Read article
Japanese Crafts: Inro
Inro ('seal-basket’) are small decorative containers that hang from the waist. They originated at the end of the sixteenth century and were worn by men to hold seals and he…
Read article
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
Japanese Netsuke
The Japanese netsuke is a thing of wonder: a utilitarian accessory to traditional Japanese dress that has become an art form in itself, prized by coll…
Buy nowEvent - Contemporary Japanese Lacquer: The Demonstration
Sat 06 July 2013 14:00
DEMONSTRATION: Drop in to see them demonstrate a range of traditional and innovative maki-e techniques.
