明永樂 紅漆戧金雲龍紋經箱|Sutra box with dragons amid clouds

Unknown

Date unknown · Red lacquer with incised decoration inlaid with gold; damascened brass lock and key · Asian Art

This rectangular box was made to hold Buddhist scriptures in the format of Chinese handscrolls. Depictions of vigorous, golden five-clawed dragons soaring among clouds, symbols of imperial power, cover the box and lid. Notably, the dragon design is first incised into the red surface and then filled with gold. This luxurious object is a product of the imperial workshop of Emperor Yongle.

Artist

Unknown

Date

Date unknown

Medium

Red lacquer with incised decoration inlaid with gold; damascened brass lock and key

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Sir Joseph Hotung and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gifts, 2001