Rectangular box with cover

The design on this box is versatile, with alternating black and red lacquer backgrounds and detailed lacquer inlay. Two imperial dragons are represented on the top of the box lid, upholding a vase in the center with the Chinese character an, which alludes to the word “peace” (ping-an). The sacred vase is a popular Buddhist emblem relating to the water of life. It is flanked by two conch shells and surrounded by several other motifs—a pair of fish, an endless knot, and a royal banner. They are all part of the eight Buddhist symbols that represent the truth of Buddhist teachings: fertility and abundance, infinite wisdom, and the compassion of the Buddha. Six characters carved at the base indicate that the box was produced in the Gengwu year 1610 of the Ming dynasty.