Box with plum blossoms and birds
The lid of this box has carved plum blossoms and a pair of magpies. As opposed to its association with ill fortune in the West, the magpie is one of the most auspicious birds in Chinese culture because its name is pronounced the same as the word for “happiness” (xi).
Artwork Details
- 明晚期 編竹剔紅金彩梅鵲紋漆盒
- Title: Box with plum blossoms and birds
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: early 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Carved red lacquer; gilded basketry panels
- Dimensions: H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
- Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.1.60a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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17th century
Accession Number: 29.100.358a, b
1641
1641
late 17th–18th century
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