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Octagonal box with lid

19th century

Not on view

This small box is an excellent example of ray skin decoration. Ray skin is often found on late Joseon lacquerware and furniture. Joseon artisans cleverly used ray skin, with its range of colors--off-white, yellow, orange, red, and blue--to depict various motifs. This box, likely used to hold seals, illustrates the material beauty of ray skin. The scalloped feet and detailed brass fittings offer further evidence of the box’s meticulous design and expert craftsmanship.

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea

Octagonal box with lid, Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass, Korea

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Octagonal box with lid

Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

Date: 19th century

Culture: Korea

Medium: Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass

Dimensions: H. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm): Diam. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.)

Classification: Lacquer

Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Arts Gifts, 2022

Accession Number: 2022.409a–c

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