This black lacquer-style picture frame features red highlights along the edges of the profile, and inverted beading for a decorative quality reminiscent of traditional Asian art and decor. The profile width is 1-1/4” wide with several subtle, linear curves to create ridges that highlight an eggshell or satin finish.
The inspiration for the look of this black lacquer-style picture frame comes from an ancient method for finishing wood furniture. Lacquer was historically a resin derived from the Lac insect, and was prominent in India and China. In the Chinese technique, cinnabar pigment was added to the lacquer to achieve red tones. In contemporary times, lacquer is a term that relates to a multitude of finishing techniques that result in a shiny finish, whether achieved with shellac, acrylic polymers, or other materials altogether.
In the instance of this black lacquer-style picture frame, the eggshell or satin finish hints at a feeling of age, since freshly lacquered finishes were traditionally a high gloss. Possible themes, genres, or attributes of art that might pair with this black lacquer-style picture frame include ancient Eastern art, calligraphy, sumi ink wash and watercolor paintings, horses, bamboo, plum blossoms, and other Eastern art themes. Decorative elements in art that might pair include mother-of-pearl inlays, carved wood, and the block printing.
