Octagonal box with lid

19th century

Not on view

This small box is an excellent example of ray skin decoration. Ray skin is often found on late Joseon lacquerware and furniture. Joseon artisans cleverly used ray skin, with its range of colors--off-white, yellow, orange, red, and blue--to depict various motifs. This box, likely used to hold seals, illustrates the material beauty of ray skin. The scalloped feet and detailed brass fittings offer further evidence of the box’s meticulous design and expert craftsmanship.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Octagonal box with lid
Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Date: 19th century
Culture: Korea
Medium: Lacquer, wood, ray skin, and brass
Dimensions: H. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm): Diam. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2022
Object Number: 2022.409a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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