One of a pair of boxes with elephants

China

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 221

Marks on the inside and bottom of these boxes indicate that they were produced in the imperial workshop and titled “Peaceful Boxes of Treasure” (shengping baohe). Each cover is decorated with two attendants and a caparisoned elephant bearing a basin of treasures. The facial features of the attendants indicate that they are non-Chinese people. This scene envisions the traditional Chinese fantasy of foreign countries bringing treasures to pay tribute in times of peace. As an exotic and auspicious animal, the elephant is always featured in this visual pun.

One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China

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One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China
One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China
One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China
One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China
One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China
One of a pair of boxes with elephants, Carved red lacquer, China

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