Untitled

Unknown

17th century · Red lacquer painted with lacquer and oil colors; basketry panels · Asian Art

The scene represented on this box is the arrival of guests at a grand reception. The host and hostess are seated in the reception hall at the upper right of the composition, which resembles that of a traditional Chinese-style horizontal or hanging scroll. A member of the household stands before the hosts, awaiting a messenger carrying a pink calling card. The guests, who are about to cross a stone bridge, are shown in the lower part of the painting. On their way to the reception, the guests will pass a group of musicians playing behind silk curtains. Most of the musical instruments they use are displayed in the case nearby.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Red lacquer painted with lacquer and oil colors; basketry panels

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015