Black lacquer box with phoenix designs

18th–19th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 233

This box painted with gold motifs was likely made to hold letters from the royal court. Phoenixes, clouds, and flaming jewels rendered with expert brushwork adorn the sides. While the images on the lid have been damaged by abrasion, traces remain on the edges. The paper with Buddhist sutra commentaries is a later addition that was recycled and affixed to the interior to protect the surface.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

조선 흑칠 봉화구름금니 문서함
朝鮮黑漆鳳凰雲金泥繪文書函
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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