Box with dragon design
The five-clawed dragon in the center of this lid holds up the character sheng, which means “divine (or imperial) majesty.” The rocks and waves below the dragon symbolize the mountain and the sea. Taken together, these motifs illustrate the imperial authority ruling over the universe. Similarly styled dragons are seen on works in different materials, such as textile medallions, from the same period.
Artwork Details
- 明嘉靖 剔紅捧聖龍紋漆盒
- Title: Box with dragon design
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing period (1522–66)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Carved red lacquer
- Dimensions: H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Diam. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
- Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.1.71a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Accession Number: 2001.584a–c
16th century
Unidentified artist
late 16th century
16th century
mid-15th century
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