Black lacquer box with phoenix designs

18th–19th century

Not on view

This lacquer box is impressive and rare not only for its size and detailed gold painting, but also because it likely was made to hold royal letters. Rendered with expert brushwork, the four sides are decorated with phoenixes, clouds and flaming jewels. On the long sides the majestic phoenixes have their long tail feathers streaming across the surface. The motifs are artfully modified to fit the short sides with the phoenixes’ wings fully spread along a diagonal while the long tails curve upwards. The lid would have had gold painted ornamentation and there are traces remaining on the edges. Since inlaid mother-of-pearl was the more common decorative technique of Joseon lacquers, gold-painted lacquers were produced in fewer numbers. Due to its large size, the dragon lock is likely a later addition.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Black lacquer box with phoenix designs
Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Date: 18th–19th century
Culture: Korea
Medium: Lacquer with gold paint and metal fittings
Dimensions: H. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Korean Art Gifts, 2024
Object Number: 2024.336a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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