Basketwork Box, 1688
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bamboo cane, wood, and painted lacquerexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.158.1a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
Remains of Chinese baskets have been found in neolithic sites (5,000-3,000 BCE), and it is likely that, with the introduction of lacquer during the same period, some baskets were coated with lacquer for preservation. Lacquered basketry was especially popular in South China during the late Ming dynasty (seventeenth century), but it was never produced in the official workshops of the imperial court.
Supported on a high flared foot, this large, circular box is painted on its cover with a landscape scene of a stag, doe, ling-chih fungus, butterfly, and a magpie perched on a flowering shrub. All are auspicious symbols and they probably came from a pattern book. Oil-based paints were often used in this type of polychrome painting because pigments like blue, pink, and white did not mix well with lacquer. On the lid is a four-character inscription in gold that reads, "May you receive official remuneration and noble rank." The lid interior and base have the same obscure four-character inscription in red lacquer, probably an owner's mark, and a partially obscured gold inscription dating the box to 1688.
Details
- Title
- Basketwork Box
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.158.1a,b
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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