Box with camellia

14th century

Not on view

The stylized flowers depicted in Chinese lacquer are often difficult to identify precisely. However, the large blossom on this box is probably a camellia, a flower associated with winter and endurance. This box is one of several, most found in Japan, which bear the name Zhang Cheng (here, carved into the base). He is one of only two fourteenth-century lacquer artists whose names are recorded.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

元剔彩山茶紋漆盒
Title: Box with camellia
Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
Date: 14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved red and green lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Diam. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number: 91.1.666a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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