By Anne Gilbert
Enquirer contributor

The Japanese lifestyle as late as the 19th century seemed to have a lacquer container for just about everything. Not only boxes, but screens and tabletops were decorated with lacquer in elaborate designs.

When lacquer pieces were introduced to Americans at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial, a new collecting category was born. They were rediscovered by collectors in the 1980s.

Today, 19th- and early 20th-century Japanese lacquer is hard to find, expensive and often reproduced.

Lacquer dates to 300 B.C. While the Japanese learned the art from the Chinese, it is the Japanese who are considered masters.

Typically, Chinese examples are the 20th-century black lacquer trays and boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The Japanese used three techniques to decorate even the most humble pieces.

Powdered metals were sprinkled on the object, then transparent lacquer was brushed on. Sometimes, large gold flakes were placed in the lacquer along with silver or gold foil inlays. Often a drawing was made on the raw lacquer and filled in with colored powder in successive layers.

Some designs are a three-dimensional build-up of molded lacquer. These are covered with gold lacquer. More elaborate examples combine raised inlays with amber, mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell and ivory.

Even the inside of the lids of boxes are decorated.

The core of lacquered objects is usually wood. The base also may be metal, unglazed porcelain or papier mache.

Several craftsmen were involved when lacquer was used with furniture. Cabinet-makers put the piece together; a lacquer painter put on the base coat; finally, a decorator added embellishments.

Some collectors narrow their choices to "Inro," small medicine boxes. Most common are Inro made in the mid-19th century. The small, flat, oval boxes originally were meant to be worn at the waist by men, attached to the belt with a silk cord.

There were lacquer boxes to hold toilet articles, games, mirrors and writing implements. To find one along with the articles raises the value.

Though many of the small pieces are signed, the signature isn't necessarily that of the artist; it may be signed by the person putting the final coat of lacquer on the piece.

Most forms of lacquer are being reproduced in plastic. They are lighter than the old wood-based pieces. Knowing how it was made, in layers, helps to tell old from new, where wear exposes construction.

Should you find old lacquer pieces, don't pass them up if they have minor damage. There are restorers who can skillfully take care of damage. Ask a museum who does their restorations.

Before paying too much for what appears to be an old lacquer piece, see what is being sold in Oriental gift shops and Pier 1 stores. Examine pieces sold at better antiques shows and check out Miller's International Price Guide for examples and prices.

Q&A

I have a Royal Doulton vase, 15 inches high. 17 inches in diameter. How old is it and what is it worth ?

Your Royal Doulton stoneware dates from late 19th to early 20th century. Similar pieces sell at auction for $900 and up.

Contact Anne Gilbert by mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202. Photos cannot be returned.