New
Lustrous Surfaces
This cross-cultural display showcased the rich and diverse traditions of Asian lacquer, placing them in a global context
This cross-cultural display showcased the rich and diverse traditions of Asian lacquer, placing them in a global context
Featuring 110 objects located throughout the Museum, including shrines, chests and rare Latin American examples, this display highlighted the varied manufacturing techniques, surface treatments, decorative styles and application around the world.
Display highlights
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Stacked clothes chest, 1890 – 1910, Korea. Museum no. W.47A, B-1912. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Book cover, 1500 – 1599, Iran. Museum no. 353-1885. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Shrine, 1850 – 1870, Burma. Museum no. IS.11:1 to 24, 28 to 31-1969. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Bureau cabinet, about 1735, Europe. Museum no. W.8:1 to 9-1972. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Lacquer bowl stand, 1403 – 24, China. Museum no. FE.23-1974. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Cabinet, 1625 – 1675. Museum no. W.5-2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Woman’s palanquin (norimono), 1700 – 1800, Japan. Museum no. 48-1874. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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Making a Korean lacquer vessel
Making a Korean lacquer vessel
This mesmerising film shows intricate techniques used by artist Chung Hae-Cho to make a lacquer vessel
The influence of East Asian lacquer on European furniture
The influence of East Asian lacquer on European furniture
Find out how the desire for Asian lacquer influenced Western furniture for centuries
Making a Korean inlaid lacquer box
Making a Korean inlaid lacquer box
Discover the history, tradition, materials and techniques of fine Korean inlaid lacquer, with lacquer master Lee Kwang-woong
Box of mysteries
Box of mysteries
Discover more about a mysterious Colombian cabinet dating from the 17th century
Conservation of a Japanese palanquin
Conservation of a Japanese palanquin
Follow V&A Conservators as they treat an elaborately decorated Japanese palanquin in our collection
Lustrous Surfaces
With thanks to the generous support of the Jorge Welsh Works of Art, London – Lisbon; Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation; and Toshiba International Foundation.