Small Circular Box, late 16th-early 17th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlayexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2001.156.2a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
This exquisite black container has faded with age to a muted brownish-black. The finely inlaid design illustrates Liu Hai, one of the Taoist Immortals, playing with his three-legged toad beneath a pine tree. A line of twisted or plaited silver wire forms a border around the top and is repeated above and below the diaper pattern on the sides. This wire technique is found as early as the fourteenth century. The shell inlay, commonly referred to as mother-of-pearl, is particularly well-crafted for such a small composition.
Details
- Title
- Small Circular Box
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2001.156.2a,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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