Brittle Beauty

Exploring the complex history, conservation, and material analysis of three nineteenth-century Chinese export lacquer screens in the Winterthur Museum collection, the authors use archival correspondence between curator Joseph Downs and conservator Susumu Hirota to reveal how early restoration practices—though well-intentioned—often altered the original appearance of these fragile objects. The study combines historical research with scientific techniques, including stratigraphic analysis and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, to uncover the layered composition of lacquer finishes and the diverse materials used by Cantonese artisans. The authors argue that these screens are hybrid artifacts, shaped as much by Western tastes and interventions as by Chinese craftsmanship. Conservation efforts must therefore balance respect for original materials with the realities of past restorations and environmental degradation. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and preserving Chinese export lacquerware, emphasizing that their current appearance reflects a confluence of cultural, economic, and material histories.