Quadripartite Medicine Container

Original Language Title黃銅琺瑯藥瓶清代

CultureChinese

Date19th century

MediumBrass and enamel

DimensionsOverall: 1 5/8 × 3 15/16 × 1/2 inches (4.13 × 10 × 1.27 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Scott in memory of his mother Mrs. Maleta Harrelsen Scott

Object number52-38

On View

Not on view

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

Gallery Label

Quadripartite Medicine Container

黃銅琺瑯藥瓶清代

Chinese, 19th century

Brass and enamel

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Scott in memory of his mother Mrs. Maleta Harrelsen Scott, 52-38

In folk tradition, multiple gods were created to soothe the souls of believers. Each god protects a particular property, such as medicine and a granary here, which benefit the owners. Although each god has its own territory, they are depicted in the same fashion, like a judge sitting in his court. The Chinese paste these images on medicine cabinets and rice urns.

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