Coromandel lacquer
Starting in the 17th century lacquered pieces
known as Coromandel were exported to Europe.
Coromandel is a trading post belonging to the
East India Company. There are many types of
engraving on lacquer but the most important found
in Europe, at least in numbers, is what is known
as "Coromandel laquer".
The Coromandel lacquer technique was not imported
in the olden days, all the work was done directly
in China. But artists of the 18th century tried
to overcome this technical ignorance by creating
what is know as “Martin varnish”, European
substitute for lacquer.
It is only at the beginning of the 20th century
that Coromandel lacquer was used by European
artists. It was the height of fashion in the Art
Deco period between 1910 and 1930.
- photo : example of Coromandel lacquer decoration.
