1960s Monumental "Bodiless" Lacquer Vases by Cheng Lung Chi - James Mont Style

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This rare Turtle and Crane find is a masterful example of the "Golden Hour" aesthetic. These are not standard export … Read more This rare Turtle and Crane find is a masterful example of the "Golden Hour" aesthetic. These are not standard export porcelain, but a signed and documented pair of Cheng Lung Chi "Bodiless" Lacquer vases—one of the "Three Treasures" of Chinese decorative arts. Unlike heavy bronze or ceramic, these utilize the ancient Tuotai technique, where layers of silk and lacquer are built up to create a vessel that is impossibly light yet possesses a depth of finish that rivals a gemstone.
Finished in a rare Burnished Bronze glaze, this pair radiates warmth. The hand-painted continuous landscape is meticulously rendered in gilt and sumi-ink tones, depicting a serene world of pagodas, mountain mists, and willow trees. Resting on their original custom-fitted black lacquer stands, they elevate the classic Chinoiserie silhouette into a work of sculptural art.
Perfect for the Grandmillennial collector or a lush Palm Beach Regency entryway, these vases offer the visual weight of bronze without the heaviness. We love them styled symmetrically on a navy lacquer console or flanking a lucite shelf, where their "liquid gold" finish can truly glow. A sophisticated, documented alternative to the mass-produced, bringing instant history and warmth to a curated space. See less