Box with Daoists welcoming immortal Shoulao

19th century

Not on view

Boxes in this shape are often fitted with trays that have recesses for holding cups to serve wine at celebrations. The design on this example shows Daoists welcoming Shoulao, the god of longevity, as he descends from the heavens on a crane—apt imagery for a vessel used to mark a birthday and convey wishes for a long life. A historical group of Daoist immortals is seated in the individual cartouches carved on the sides of the box.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

清晚期剔彩開光道教人物圖漆盒
Title: Box with Daoists welcoming immortal Shoulao
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: 19th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved red and green lacquer
Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.9 cm); W. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881
Object Number: 81.1.610a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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