元　雕漆剔犀劍環紋長方盒|Rectangular box with pommel scrolls

Unknown

first half of the 14th century · Carved red and black lacquer (tixi) · Asian Art

The pommel scroll is so-named because it resembles the shape of a Chinese sword pommel. This design is often seen in objects decorated with layers of contrasting colors of lacquer, particularly red and black. Found predominantly on ceramics, metalwork, and lacquer from the thirteenth century, there is no known explanation for the creation and popularity of this motif. However, it may have been inspired by the antiquarianism of the period, when motifs that were based on, or presumed to be based on, the Chinese Bronze Age were incorporated into the designs of many types of objects.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half of the 14th century

Medium

Carved red and black lacquer (tixi)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015