Nine Dragon Box, 18th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Red, green, and brown carved lacquer (tixi)expand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.68.14a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
During the transitional period between the Ming and Qing dynasties (1610-1738) little or no official carved lacquer was sponsored by the court. This changed in 1739 when an official lacquer workshop was established in Suzhou, and from then on a great many imperial pieces were produced. Official carved lacquers of the Qianlong reign, like this one, are often distinguished by a high level of craftsmanship and a fussiness of design. This cover and box are decorated with nine five-clawed dragons cavorting in clouds in pursuit of flaming pearls. The number nine is associated with good fortune, and nine dragons were used throughout the Qing dynasty as an official emblem. This presentation box is carved in the ticai technique which involves carving to various depths to expose different color layers, creating a polychrome effect.
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- Title
- Nine Dragon Box
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.68.14a,b
- Curator Approved
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