Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Soapstone · Asian Art

The carving on this elaborate box depicts a pair of phoenixes among stylized clouds, exemplifying the highest standard of craftsmanship from the mid-eighteenth century—a golden age of Chinese lapidary work. Its pattern and form represent an archaistic reinterpretation of gold and silver designs of the Tang dynasty (618–907). Additionally, the “double phoenix” design was a popular motif on imperial Qing artworks in porcelain, jade, glass, metalwork, and other media..

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Soapstone

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchases, Friends of Asian Art Gifts and funds from various donors, 2019