Box with cover

Developed from ancient pottery versions of utilitarian covered vessels, boxes with lids began to appear in the Eastern Zhou and were produced in various materials during the Han dynasty. Ceramic boxes were commonly unglazed, though some rare glazed and painted versions exist. This type of box, attempting to recreate patterns commonly found on contemporary lacquer by highlighting colored areas with white edges against a dark background slip, was fashioned in the area of Henan and Hebei (KGXB 1990.1: 112). Its lid serves as a container when turned upside down and mirrors the shape of the body of the box.