Cosmetic Box
Artist
Fang Mingting
(Chinese)
DateMing dynasty (1368-1644)
MediumBlack lacquer with basketry panels and gold lacquer decoration
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 12 inches (11.43 x 46.99 x 30.48 cm)
Credit LineGift of Laurence Sickman
Object number78-34
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionLong, low rectangular cosmetic box on a shallow tapering foot. The strongly curved sides of both base and cover consist of minutely woven basketry panels set between indented lacquer on wood corners. Elongated diamonds enclosing swastika patterns appear in the basketry panels. Exterior lacquer panels and members are black lacquer, now showing good age cracks, decorated with gold wash drawing. The central exterior cover panel shows an elaborate landscape in gold of pavilions and pine trees situated on a precipitous cliff. The interior of the base is lacquered red. Its central panel shows a garden terrace scene of literatus and attendants in gold wash. An inscription on the bottom identifies the year of manufacture as 1584. it also states that the box was made for Lady Chiang by Fang Ming-t'ing.
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