Octagonal box with “dragon pine”
The designer of this box transformed the pine tree into a fanciful dragon, symbol of the emperor. This combination probably expressed a wish that the emperor live as long as the pine, an emblem of longevity. The box was made with the same technique as the adjacent dragon dish, and they bear identical dated marks, which implies that they were made in the same imperial workshop, if not by the same hands.
Artwork Details
- 明萬曆 填漆戧金龍松紋盒
- Title: Octagonal box with “dragon pine”
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli period (1573–1620)
- Date: dated 1595
- Culture: China
- Medium: Polychrome lacquer with filled-in and engraved gold decoration
- Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); Diam. 8 3/4 in.(22.2 cm)
- Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.1.11a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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16th century
Accession Number: 2001.59
early 15th century
mid-16th century
Accession Number: 2001.584a–c
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