Octagonal box with dragons
Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1600-1700
PeriodMing dynasty (1368-1644) or later
MaterialsMulticolor lacquer with incised and painted multicolor designs
DimensionsH. 7 in x Diam. 16 1/2 in
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60M8
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on viewThe top of this elaborately decorated box shows a five clawed flying dragon facing forward surrounded by four smaller dragons in profile. The golden dragon is a wel lknown symbol of imperial authority, with the five-clawed dragon motif mainly reserved for the emperor and his family. The designs have been cut into the ground in shallow relief. Fine incised lines filled with gold (qiangjin) outline individual motifs and separate each color within them. Although the piece does not have a mark, the style of the dragons and other decor point to a date in the late Ming, perhaps during the reign of the Wanli emperor (1573–1619).
approx. 1600-1650
