Artwork Page for Box in Form of Lotus Leaf

Details / Information for Box in Form of Lotus Leaf

Box in Form of Lotus Leaf

1700s

China, Qing dynasty

(1644-1911)
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Medium
ivory
Measurements
Overall: 5.1 cm (2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Lois Clarke 1970.137.1.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Inside each box is a lotus pond and two swimming ducks carved in high relief.

Description

In the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This fine grained, light yellow ivory carved in the shape of a lotus leaf illustrates the superb carving skills and the creative mind of the talented artisan who sought clients on a competitive market.
A warm cream ivory box, a shallow irregular oval, features an outer edge of rounded, petal-like ridges. Inside, raised relief carvings depict three lotus leaves with detailed veins and two blossoms. Thin, curving stems intertwine across the interior, connecting several seed pods. A small duck rests at the bottom right. The uniform tone highlights the intricate, organic composition filling the scalloped vessel.

Box in Form of Lotus Leaf

1700s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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