Wall Hanging - Japanese? Chinese? What is it called?

August 6, 2013 9:23 AM

Well, I came across this black lacquer wall hanging inlaid with mother of pearl, relief style and it's kind of pretty. Maybe I'll sell it. Don't know much about these things.

It's roughly 10 inches across - it's got a brass swivel hanger to mount it. Here are the photos. What is it? Is it Japanese or Chinese? Thanks for any help.

posted by watercarrier to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

I do not believe it to be Japanese, at least in terms of the scene it depicts.
posted by Tanizaki at 9:41 AM on August 6, 2013

Is it a wall hanging? Or a tray?
posted by Native in Exile at 9:43 AM on August 6, 2013

Response by poster: Looks like a tray wall hanging. It's got the hardware for hanging.
posted by watercarrier at 9:46 AM on August 6, 2013

The clothing they're wearing look like Hanfu to me, more than Kimono. That coupled with the hairstyles lead me to believe it's Chinese.
posted by Dimes at 9:47 AM on August 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Search around for "wall hanging mother of pearl inlay" and add Japan or China. (do an image search too) There are comparative examples about. My guess (very much so) is that it's not going to fetch a lot of money. Yes, it's quaintly pretty, but for me, the facial appearances in particular suggest a lack of sophistication in craftsmanship. I'm not sure it matters a lot if it's J or C but I suppose I would lay a dollar on it being a Chinese attempt at a Japanese scene.
I stand ready to be dismissed and corrected, however.
posted by peacay at 10:46 AM on August 6, 2013

I agree with Dimes in that they are wearing Hanfu. Looks specifically some variation of Ruqun.
posted by Mister Cheese at 11:44 AM on August 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Definitely Chinese. Such plaques/plates are often hung on the wall or displayed on stands. You can read more about Chinese and other Asian mother-of-pearl lacquer art at About.com.
posted by satoshi at 3:19 PM on August 6, 2013 [1 favorite]