Artwork Page for Scroll Box with Dragon and Phoenix Design

Details / Information for Scroll Box with Dragon and Phoenix Design

Scroll Box with Dragon and Phoenix Design

나전 용·봉황무늬 서류함 (螺鈿龍鳳文書類函)

1800s

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)
Medium
lacquered wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl and twisted brass and copper wire
Measurements
Overall: 11.5 x 11.6 x 87 cm (4 1/2 x 4 9/16 x 34 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Collection 1990.15
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This technique of using the inlays of iridescent mother-of-pearl and abalone shells has been practiced in Korea for over a thousand years,

Description

This large rectangular box was designed for keeping a scroll or an important document. The mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer rendering of a dragon and phoenix combines texture, color, and shape to produce a dazzling effect. The large and prominent designs of the Joseon-period inlaid lacquer, like on this box, replaced the fine detail and mosaic-like patterns popular in the Goryeo period (918-1392).
Long, rectangular scroll box with inlaid mosaic-like mother-of-pearl pieces glinting pink and green covering most of the lid's dark-brown background with a dragon and phoenix. The dragon curves up, individual pieces of mother-of-pearl highlighting its scaly body as well as the tail-feathers of the phoenix, spreading its wings. The tail-feathers transform into leafy vines, extending onto the box's side, while spiraling patterns extend around the dragon. A solid field of mother-of-pearl pieces surrounds these figures.

Scroll Box with Dragon and Phoenix Design

1800s

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

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