"Tixi" dish

Place of OriginChina

DateMing Dynasty, early 15th century

DimensionsDiam: 14 ½ in. (30.7cm)

MediumLacquer

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LinePurchased with funds given by the Barrie Family, Voss Family and friends in memory of Frank Voss

Object number

2008.14

Not on View

Label TextChinese lacquer, a type of varnish derived from tree sap, has been valued since prehistoric times for its unique properties of being resistant to water, acid, heat, and shock, and therefore ideal for coating wood and other materials. During the Ming Dynasty, craftsmen continued a tradition first developed in the 13th century in the Song Dynasty: carving relief designs into the lacquer. This type of lacquer work is commonly called tixi (TEE-shee) and is characterized by swirling scroll patterns. The height of perfection for the tixi technique was achieved in the 15th century, when this dish was made. Chinese lacquer, a type of varnish derived from tree sap, has been valued since prehistoric times for its unique properties of being resistant to water, acid, heat, and shock, and therefore ideal for coating wood and other materials. Ming Dynasty craftsmen perfected an earlier of carving relief designs into the lacquer. This type of lacquer work is commonly called tixi (TEE-shee) and is characterized by swirling scroll patterns.Exhibition HistoryKrahl, Regina and Morgan, Brian, From Innovation to Conformity, Chinese Lacquer from the 13th to 16th centuries, Bluett & Sons, London, 1989, catalogue number 21, p. 60.