Rounded box with a lid

This shallow box with a domed lid is decorated in a technique related to that used for the sutra cover (cat. no. 49). In both examples, the entire body was first covered with thick layers of red lacquer and then designs were carved into it. These designs were then filled with colored lacquer; in the case of the sutra cover lacquer with gold powder, in the case of this box lacquer with yellow, green and dark pigments. The Chinese term for the technique used on the sutra cover is qiangjin (lit. inlaid gold) while the technique used on this box is tianqi (lit. inlaid lacquer).

The top of the cover of this box is decorated with four branches of flower blossoms, which can be identified as chrysanthemum, lotus, peony, and probably Chinese herbaceous peony, surrounding a central six-petal mallow flower. The same four flowers are repeated on the border with each blossom set in a lobed panel. These panels are separated by a diamond-pattered ground. The body of the box is decorated with six chrysanthemum branches also carved into the red base coat and filled with colored lacquer. Seasonal flowers were a common theme in the court arts of the Ming dynasty. As a group they represent prosperity through the four seasons.

Providing a precise date for this piece is somewhat problematic. The technique was in use from the beginning of the Ming dynasty and some experts date this piece to the reign of the Xuande emperor (1426 – 1435). Examples with this color combination are rare, however, and other experts have given a date later in the dynasty.