One of a pair of boxes with elephants

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
Not on view
Marks on the inside and bottom of these boxes indicate that they were produced in the imperial workshop and titled “Peaceful Boxes of Treasure” (shengping baohe). Each cover is decorated with two attendants and a caparisoned elephant bearing a basin of treasures. The facial features of the attendants indicate that they are non-Chinese people. This scene envisions the traditional Chinese fantasy of foreign countries bringing treasures to pay tribute in times of peace. As an exotic and auspicious animal, the elephant is always featured in this visual pun.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清乾隆 剔紅昇平寶盒一對
  • Title: One of a pair of boxes with elephants
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Carved red lacquer
  • Dimensions: H. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm); Diam. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.100.143a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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.