Box and Cover, 17th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Painted red lacquer with "filled-in" and engraved gold decoration (tian-ch'i)expand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.68.12a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
Shaped and decorated to resemble a drum, this large circular box and cover were created with the tian-ch'i or "filled-in" technique. It has contrasting color fields of red, green, black, and reddish-brown lacquer. After the surface was polished, the outlines and details were engraved and gilded. The fine gold powder in the grooves was held in place with a clear lacquer adhesive.
On the cover is a gold five-clawed dragon shown full face amongst clouds above rocks and waves with a flaming pearl in the center. These imperial emblems exist against a muted brown swastika diaper ground. The sides of both box and cover are painted with roundels imitating the studs of a stretched leather drum head. The sides are decorated below and above with engraved and gilded continuous lotus scrolls. The tian-ch'i technique was popular during Ming and early Ch'ing for the decoration of fine lacquer furniture.
Details
- Title
- Box and Cover
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.68.12a,b
- Curator Approved
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