Artwork Page for Carved Lacquer Scroll Box

Details / Information for Carved Lacquer Scroll Box

Carved Lacquer Scroll Box

雕龍漆匣

1736–95
This object has related works. See

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign

(1736–95)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
Red carved lacquer on wood
Measurements
Overall: 14 x 14.7 x 59 cm (5 1/2 x 5 13/16 x 23 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1969.32
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This is the original box for the handscroll Portraits of the Qianlong Emperor and His Twelve Consorts, CMA 1969.31.

Description

The elaborate design, superior craftsmanship, and inscription carved into the red cinnabar lacquer proclaim the imperial pedigree of this scroll box. On either end is a five-clawed dragon, a design reserved only for an emperor. More dragons twist and wind through swirling clouds and waves along the length of the box’s sides and top. The carving is intricate and vigorous, while the design is controlled and regular.

This box housed the private portraits of the Qianlong Emperor, his empress, and 11 other favorites among his presumed 40 or more wives during his 60-year reign. It was commissioned to be made in Suzhou when no more portraits were added to the scroll. An entry in the imperial workshop records relates to the Cleveland box. It states that in 1787, a box design with a dragon pattern, including the inscription, In his heart is envisioned a peaceful reign, was sent to a Suzhou workshop.

Imperial portraits were collected in the Chonghua Palace in the Forbidden City, and the emperor’s portrait was kept in this red lacquer box from Suzhou.
A horizontally oriented red lacquer scroll box features dense relief carvings of winding, scaly dragons amidst stylized clouds and waves. On the long front side, two dragons flank a central circular pearl above a rocky mound. Each rectangular face is framed by a border of small, repeating geometric patterns. The uniform, deep red color emphasizes the intricate textures and depth of the traditional cinnabar carvings across the entire object.

Carved Lacquer Scroll Box

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign (1736–95)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Shop the CMA Store

    Shop More Art

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork