清　黑漆嵌骨書函式匣|Rectangular box in imitation of a pack of books

Unknown

18th century · Black lacquer inlaid with bone · Asian Art

The corner of this lid is inlaid with four characters: huang shi yi bian, meaning “inherited book from Yellowstone.” This inscription refers to a legend that Zhang Liang (ca. 250–186 B.C.), a founding strategist of the Han dynasty, had been given a secret book of strategy from the hermit Mr. Yellowstone. Its inclusion indicates that this box was probably used by the literati to present books or stationery. The chi dragon glaring at and grabbing the title appears to be a loyal guardian of the box’s content.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Black lacquer inlaid with bone

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015