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Box with peonies

15th century
Not on view
Frequently depicted in carved lacquer, peonies are an important symbol for honor, rank, royalty, and wealth. This box bears additional flowers along the sides: camellias, chrysanthemums, pomegranates, and tree peonies. It is one of several pieces in The Met collection with a six-character mark carved on the bottom reading “Made during the reign of the Yongle emperor” (Da Ming Yongle nian zhi). The use of marks like this, seen more commonly on ceramics, began in the early fifteenth century and continued in all media into the twentieth. Works so marked were likely produced for the court.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明 永樂 剔紅牡丹紋盒
  • Title: Box with peonies
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle period (1403–24)
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Carved red lacquer
  • Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (6.4 cm); Diam. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur M. Sackler Gift, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.269a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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