José Manuel de la Cerda: A Maestro of Lacquer and Myth José Manuel de la Cerda (born Pátzcuaro, Mexico) stands as a singular figure in 18th-century Mexican art, celebrated primarily for his masterful wood carvings—particularly the ‘batea,’ a distinctive tray that embodies both European artistic sensibilities and Asian craftsmanship. His legacy extends beyond mere technique; it resides in his ability to infuse his creations with profou…