Box with pommel scrolls, flowering plum, and crescent moon

14th century

Not on view

The “pommel-scroll” pattern on this box is named for its resemblance to the shape of a sword’s pommel. Inside, the cover bears a flowering plum tree and crescent moon, motifs from poems that evoke the shadows of fragrant plum blossoms illuminated by moonlight. This theme was popular in decorative arts across various media during the Song (960–1279) and Yuan periods.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

元象牙雕劍環紋盒
Title: Box with pommel scrolls, flowering plum, and crescent moon
Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
Date: 14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Ivory, gold leaf, lacquer, glass
Dimensions: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Classification: Ivories
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.6.5a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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