Lidded Box
ca. 1400-1450 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Lacquer is a waterproof varnish made from the sap of the tree Rhus vernicifera. The Chinese began to use it to provide a protective coating to wooden and bamboo bowls at least 3,000 years ago. Very quickly the artisans realised the decorative potentials of this material. Multiple layers of lacquer were piled on the surface of the vessel and decorative patterns were carved on the lacquer. In this example a peony is shown on the lid.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Lacquered wood, carved |
| Brief description | Woo, China, lacquer, carved |
| Physical description | Red lacquer box and cover, cylindrical, carved with a single tree peony spray on the top with the flowers of the four seasons on the side. The side of the base decorated with a cloud scroll. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | Carved and gilt mark of Xuande on the black lacquered base |
| Gallery label | Box with peony design
Ming dynasty
1400-1500
The peony, one the 'flowers of the four seasons', is the symbol of spring. It has traditionally been associated with royalty as emperors from the Sui and Tang dynasties used to grow peonies in their gardens.
Carved lacquer on wood
Xuande mark on the base
Sir Harry Garner Gift
Museum no. FE.24-1974(2009) |
| Credit line | Given by Sir Harry and Lady Garner |
| Production | The two parts of the box, although contemporary, originally belonged to different boxes, the lower part belonging to a box decorated with dragons. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Lacquer is a waterproof varnish made from the sap of the tree Rhus vernicifera. The Chinese began to use it to provide a protective coating to wooden and bamboo bowls at least 3,000 years ago. Very quickly the artisans realised the decorative potentials of this material. Multiple layers of lacquer were piled on the surface of the vessel and decorative patterns were carved on the lacquer. In this example a peony is shown on the lid. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | FE.24 to B-1974 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 5, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
