元 黑面剔犀香草紋漆盒|Incense box with fragrant grass design

Unknown

13th century · Carved black, red, and yellow lacquer · Asian Art

The scrolling design that fills the surface of this box is often called the “fragrant grass” motif in Chinese writings on lacquer. It is closely linked to another pattern featuring abstract scrolls that is popularly known as the “pommel scroll.” Both designs, ubiquitous in carved lacquer, can be traced to abstract patterns in early Chinese lacquers and bronze vessels. The reemergence of this motif during the Song period (960–1279) reflects the fascination with antiquarian imagery that marked this period of Chinese history and the rediscovery of that time of earlier artistic traditions.

Artist

Unknown

Date

13th century

Medium

Carved black, red, and yellow lacquer

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2007