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Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon

ca. 1744

Not on view

This container held a Daoist scripture, or sutra, on an imperial altar and exemplifies the finest carved lacquerware from the imperial Qing workshop. On its meticulously carved sliding cover is a celestial audience of more than 150 deities convened by the Great Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi). Imperial archives reveal that the Qianlong Emperor was directly involved in the design process and made several adjustments to satisfy his personal taste. After it was approved by him in early 1744, the design was sent to the imperial workshop in Suzhou to be produced.

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

Sutra container with Daoist pantheon, Carved red lacquer, China

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This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

清乾隆雕漆剔紅玉皇群仙會經匣

Title: Sutra container with Daoist pantheon

Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)

Date: ca. 1744

Culture: China

Medium: Carved red lacquer

Dimensions: H. 13 9/16 in. (34.5 cm)

Classification: Lacquer

Credit Line: Lent by a private collection

Object Number: SL.16.2021.1.2

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Asian Art at The Met

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