Sutra container with Daoist pantheon
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.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.
Artwork Details
- 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
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art