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

Covered box with three animals crossing a river

Lu Weiliang Chinese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 215

The image on the lid is derived from a famous manual of ink cakes first published in 1589. The scene delivers a profound message about paths to Buddhist enlightenment. The rabbit swims at river surface, the horse tests shallow waters, and the elephant wades in deeply. Not only did the artist transform the woodblock drawing into a three-dimensional artwork, but he augmented its imagery and message, adding mythical creatures to the box’s sides, suggesting fierce powers lurking beneath the water.

Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China

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Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China
Covered box with three animals crossing a river, Lu Weiliang (Chinese, active 17th century), Copper alloy, parcel gilding, China

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