Box thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

ca. 1860 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Furniture and small lacquered items were made at the workshops in Canton by special order of European clients, and shipped to Europe by individual captains or private companies. During the 18th century, shapes and designs were often made in imitation of western models, but by the mid 19th century 'oriental' scenes and motifs became particularly popular.

This box, covered in black lacquer and painted in gold, belongs to this category. The crowded depiction of gardens with pavilions, bridges and figures, framed by a band of dragons, was perceived as typically 'oriental' by European clients in search of 'exotic' and foreign items. The subject was specifically made for the export market, and the quality of the finished product was not of the highest standards.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wood, covered in black lacquer and painted in gold
Brief description
Wooden box covered in black lacquer with gold decoration, China, Qing dynasty, ca. 1850.
Physical description
Wooden box with hinged lid, covered with black lacquer and with gilding in two shades. The cover has a rectangular cartouche containing a garden scene with pavilions, bridges and figures, and framed by a band of dragons; a continuous band of pavilions and bridges runs along the edge of the lid. Small cartouches containing figures in garden settings are painted on the sides of the box over a ground of floral scrolls.
Dimensions
  • Width: 44.5cm
  • Depth: 31cm
  • Height: 13.5cm
Styles
Gallery label
Box Wood covered in black lacquer with gold lacquer decoration. About 1860 Johnson Gift(1987)
Credit line
Johnson Gift
Object history
Given by Mrs. Johnson, accessioned in 1898. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Furniture and small lacquered items were made at the workshops in Canton by special order of European clients, and shipped to Europe by individual captains or private companies. During the 18th century, shapes and designs were often made in imitation of western models, but by the mid 19th century 'oriental' scenes and motifs became particularly popular.

This box, covered in black lacquer and painted in gold, belongs to this category. The crowded depiction of gardens with pavilions, bridges and figures, framed by a band of dragons, was perceived as typically 'oriental' by European clients in search of 'exotic' and foreign items. The subject was specifically made for the export market, and the quality of the finished product was not of the highest standards.
Bibliographic reference
Clunas, Craig (ed.). Chinese Export Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1987, p. 90, fig. 74.
Collection
Accession number
177-1898

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Record createdOctober 2, 2008
Record URL
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