Artwork Page for Box in Form of Lotus Leaf (lid)

Details / Information for Box in Form of Lotus Leaf (lid)

Box in Form of Lotus Leaf (lid)

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.b
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 cream-colored ivory lid carved into a shallow lotus leaf shape features a wavy, irregular rim. Ribbed lines radiate from the center like leaf veins. In the center, a relief carving depicts a small lotus leaf beside a closed bud. The ivory shows mottled brown spots and small red numbers on the inner right rim.

Box in Form of Lotus Leaf (lid)

1700s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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