covered box with dragon, unknown maker from China

Artwork Overview

covered box with dragon
covered box with dragon
covered box with dragon
early 1570s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
covered box with dragon , early 1570s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Where object was made: China
Material/technique: wood; carving; lacquer
Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 14 x 33 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 5 1/2 x 13 0.9921 in
Credit line: Gift of David P. Bushnell in honor of Sammy Yu-kuan Lee
Accession number: 1977.0114.a,b
Not on display
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Archive Label date unknown: The cover of the Wan-li period box is decorated with a twisting five-clawed dragon; floral motifs are intricately carved on the sides. The dragon motif was reserved during this period for use on imperial wares. A covered box such as this was probably used by the emperor for presenting cakes or other gifts. The dragon dances amidst scattered clouds above prism-shaped rocks, all carved in shallow relief against the fine detail of the patterned background.