Artwork Page for Round Box

Details / Information for Round Box

Round Box

c. 1760–70

France, 18th century

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Medium
Tortoiseshell with red lacquer; inlays of gold, silver, and brass wire; contains a portrait miniature
Measurements
Diameter: 2.3 x 6.4 cm (7/8 x 2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
In memory of Ruth Probala 1988.48.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This small lacquer box, made in France during the 1700s, references China in that it imitates Chinese material and craftmanship such as red lacquer and celadon.

This round box with an inlaid key pattern (an interlocking geometric motif ), emulates the bright vermilion color of Chinese red lacquer, typical of Suzhou lacquer ware. The key pattern is reminiscent of the so-called Chinese thunder pattern (leiwen).
A propped-up, circular red lacquer and tortoiseshell box features a central portrait miniature. Concentric rings of dark brown tortoiseshell and bright red lacquer with fine metal inlays surround a beaded gold frame. Inside, an oval portrait depicts a man with white hair facing slightly right. He wears a gray jacket with gold and silver embroidery and a red ribboned medal. The object rests against a neutral, shadowed background.

Round Box

c. 1760–70

France, 18th century

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