Round box with dragon and flower

Decorations carved in relief and countersunk decoration carved in black and tan intaglio. The box bears a mark on the base.

Historical period(s)
Ming dynasty, Wanli reign, 1590s
Medium
Carved red, black, and yellow lacquer (ticai) on wood core
Dimensions
H x W: 13.2 x 32.3 cm (5 3/16 x 12 11/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1953.63a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Container, Lacquer
Type

Box

Keywords
China, cloud, dragon, flower, inscription, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), Wanli reign (1573 - 1620), wave, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Decorations carved in relief and countersunk decoration carved in black and tan intaglio. The box bears a mark on the base.

Inscription(s)

Incised inscription on the base reads "Ta Ming Wan-li nien chih."

Marking(s)

The box bears a mark on the base dating it to the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty.

Published References
  • Fritz Low-Beer. Chinese Lacquer of the Middle and Late Ming Period. no. 24 Stockholm. p. 34, pl. 21.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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