Tinderbox with dragons
Place of OriginChina
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795)
MaterialsIvory
DimensionsW. 2 7/8 in x L. 3 in, W. 7.3 cm x L. 7.6 cm
Credit LineBequest of Isabella M. Cowell
Object numberB81M45
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view清朝乾楺玟牙筄恳教子火汴睵
HIDDEN MEANING: May your son become a high official (canglong jiaozi 筄恳教子
The old and young dragon on this imperial tinderbox suggests the phrase "the old dragon teaches its young." This motif, similar to the sculpture of the two fish in this exhibition, conveys a wish for an official position to pass from one generation to the next. For an emperor it would have conveyed the wish that the crown prince would follow his footsteps.
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1600-1700
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1800-1900
1736-1795
approx. 1850-1900