Ruler

late 19th–early 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 233
As everyday objects, rulers are produced to be purely functional and have little ornamentation. This ruler, with its low relief carving, incising, and application of lacquer staining, has been embellished with an array of decorative enhancements. Darkening the incised lines and staining the negative space, the application of lacquer creates a wonderful contrast to the lighter bamboo wood.

This ruler has ten segments on each side. In each segment there is a small vignette pairing an animal with ornamental rocks, such as deer, turtles, cranes, and fish. Rocks and these animals were considered auspicious symbols.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Hwagakja
  • 포백자 조선
  • 布帛尺 朝鮮
  • Title: Ruler
  • Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Culture: Korea
  • Medium: Wood, bone, painted ox horn; bamboo, black lacquer
  • Dimensions: 21 3/4 x 1 in. (60.3 x 2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Gift of the children of Lea R. Sneider, 2024
  • Object Number: 2024.301.7
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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