나전 칠 모란 넝쿨 무늬 서류함 조선|螺鈿漆牡丹唐草文書類函 朝鮮|Stationery box decorated with peony scrolls

Unknown

15th–16th century · Lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl; brass fittings · Asian Art

Scholarly men collected and used stationery boxes like this to hold paper and writing implements. A rare example of early Joseon lacquer, the box’s ornate design of peony blossoms and acanthus-like leaves illustrates the expansion of sophisticated Goryeo-dynasty techniques and traditions. Peony blossoms of similar form can be found on inlaid buncheong ware; the stylized acanthus-like leaves are distinctive to this example and to the few other extant boxes of its type, which are nearly identical.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th–16th century

Medium

Lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl; brass fittings

Culture

Korea

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015