Vintage Foochow Lacquer Bowl Set 3 Chinese Goldfish Dragon Landscape 4.5

Overview
A rare and collectible set of three vintage East Asian bodiless lacquerware (Tuo Tai Qi Qi) bowls originating from the famous artisans of Foochow (Fuzhou). Each vessel features a brilliantly gilded interior wash painted with polychrome goldfish (kingyo) swimming among delicate green aquatic tendrils. The exterior of each bowl exhibits distinct artistic hand-painting: one displaying a celestial golden dragon (Long) chasing a flaming pearl, another depicting a classical mountain-and-water landscape (shanshui) with secluded pavilions, and the third finished in a deep lustrous dark metallic coat. Ideal for desktop trinket display, mantel styling, or sophisticated Asian art collections. Complimentary, fully insured standard domestic shipping is included.
Deep Cultural & Historical Background
Crafted using the celebrated Foochow bodiless lacquer process (Tuo Tai), this technique involves sculpting a temporary clay or plaster core, layering it with fine silk or linen saturated in raw tree sap (urushi), and removing the inner matrix once cured. The result is an exceptionally lightweight yet structurally durable vessel. The interior iconography depicts goldfish (Jinyu), an auspicious visual motif representing abundant wealth and harmony (Jinyu Mantang). The exterior hand-painted artwork balances two foundational pillars of traditional Chinese decorative art: the imperial dragon symbolizing power and auspicious energy, paired with the serene shanshui landscape embodying scholarly retreat and timeless nature. Stamped on the base by the renowned studio Sinmau An Kee Foochow China, this trio represents mid-20th-century Asian export art at its finest.
Condition & Surface Character
Preserved in very good vintage condition with age-appropriate character. The gilded interior bowl basins retain warm radiance and bright pigment definition on all painted goldfish details. The exterior dragon and landscape brushwork remain vibrant and clear. Faint micro-scuffing, minor surface friction, and light patina wear are present across the bases and foot rims from historical handling. The underside of each piece retains clear maker hallmarks and origin stamps.
Dimensions, Shipping & Display
Height: 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) per bowl
Width/Diameter: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) per bowl
Depth: 2.1 inches (5.3 cm) interior depth
Weight Profile: Featherlight (Bodiless fabric-and-resin construction)
Shipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured & Securely Boxed)
Mounting/Display: Display stand not included.