Rectangular box with lid

Historical period(s)
Ming dynasty, 16th century or later
Medium
Carved paste with black and red lacquer on wood core in imitation of carved marbled lacquer (tixi)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 17.2 x 8.3 x 46.5 cm (6 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 18 5/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.379a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Container, Lacquer
Type

Box

Keywords
China, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), Yuan dynasty (1279 - 1368)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This box demonstrates the tixi technique, in which alternating layers of red and black lacquer create a thick surface on a wood core. Carving reveals thin hidden bands of contrasting colors that produce a rich optical effect. By the fourteenth century, this time-consuming process was mostly used to decorate small objects, such as this box for a scholar's writing table.



Published References
  • Lee Yu-kuan. Oriental Lacquer Art., 1st ed. New York. p. 119.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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