The Impact of European Lacquer on Eighteenth-Century Colonial Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACTPre-Columbian artistic techniques were used in viceregal Mexico to make ‘lacquer’ objects. Colonial lacquer pieces were often related to either Asian or European production. However, traditional research has overlooked their relationship with European lacquer. This paper demonstrates that several eighteenth-century white, blue and black lacquer works from Pátzcuaro (State of Michoacán) are closely related to English japanning, particularly to models in Stalker and Parker’s and Sayer’s treatises of 1688 and 1762 respectively. Documentary information is discussed to prove not only that European lacquer pieces circulated in colonial Mexico, but also that European lacquer techniques were used by coach makers in Mexico City. Finally, discussion focuses on colonial red bureau-cabinets and folding screens that – whether made with painting or lacquer techniques – are closely related to English japanned originals. These examples serve to affirm that European lacquer had a leading role in the popularization of lacquer work in eighteenth-century Mexico. In turn, the fact that Mexico was an important consumption centre of European lacquer suggests that eighteenth-century European lacquer was more global than has been previously recognized.