Box decorated with auspicious symbols

19th century

Not on view

This lacquered wood box is decorated with thin sheets of ox horn painted in bright colors. The technique developed fully in later Joseon lacquer ware, becoming a fashionable art form during this period, alongside lacquer with mother-of-pearl.

Decorative motifs on this piece include animals symbolizing good fortune, longevity, or protection, such as cranes, deer, dragons, phoenixes, and tigers. Similar imagery was also popular on paintings and ceramics during the nineteenth century.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

장생 무늬 화각 상자 조선
長生文華角箱子朝鮮
Title: Box decorated with auspicious symbols
Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Date: 19th century
Culture: Korea
Medium: Lacquered wood inlaid with flattened and painted ox horn
Dimensions: H. 6 in. (15.2 cm); W. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm); L. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.3.6a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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