On display

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

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Box
  • Lid
  • Storage Box
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
  • Diameter: 15cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Carved and gilt mark of Xuande on the black lacquered base
Gallery label
(2009)
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
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
  • China : cultuur vroeger en nu, Ghent : Centrum Voor Kunst en Cultuur, 1979 231
  • Chinese and Associated Lacquer from the Garner Collection, London : British Museum, 1973 35
  • The World of lacquer : 2000 years of history, Lisbon : Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 2001 6
Collection
Accession number
FE.24 to B-1974

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Record createdMarch 5, 2003
Record URL
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