Box with chrysanthemum and praying mantis

16th century

Not on view

In China, the praying mantis was appreciated for its skillful hunting with its long front legs. The term for “praying mantis” has the same pronunciation as the word for “handsome man” (lang), and the insect became a popular motif in Chinese art from the sixteenth century on.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

明中期雕漆剔彩螳螂秋菊紋盒
Title: Box with chrysanthemum and praying mantis
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: 16th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved red and black lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2 cm); Diam. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.1.47a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Sutra box with dragons amid clouds, Red lacquer, incised decoration, gold inlay, damascened brass lock and key, China — Sutra box with dragons amid clouds
China

Rice measure with four constellation deities, Carved red, green, and black lacquer, China — Rice measure with four constellation deities
China
16th century

Qin (Seven-stringed zither), Unidentified artist, Purple sandalwood (zitan) and black lacquer, China — Qin (Seven-stringed zither)
Unidentified artist
late 16th century

Tiered box, Cloisonné enamel, China — Tiered box
China
16th century

Covered box with hibiscus and grapevines, Cloisonné enamel, China — Covered box with hibiscus and grapevines
China
mid-15th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.