Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1730 · Lacquer painted with gold and oil colors · Asian Art

This chest's lid is decorated with an unusual portrait of a pope, most likely Sixtus V (r. 1585–90). The Old Testament tale of Abraham's expulsion of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, to appease his barren wife, Sarah, is depicted on the front of the chest. While the composition was based on European prints, the use of a screen for the background adds a Chinese flair.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1730

Medium

Lacquer painted with gold and oil colors

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Gift, 1992