Lacquer container with paulownia flower design. Japan, 18th century-China Archive

Image Number: K1H000511N000000000PAD
Dynasty: Qing dynasty
Category: Lacquer wares
Function: Container
Material: Plants/Paint/
Description:
It is recorded in the article “Chamber (Box)” of Chang Wu Zhi (Chang Wu Zhi) written by Zhenheng in the Ming Dynasty that “the big box is inlaid with black paint and gold and silver pieces. The large box is full of feet. Its hinges, locks and keys are marvellous. It is best to buy ancient jade heavy tools or small volumes of the Jin and Tang Dynasties. There is another kind of large box which is also ancient and elegant. It is as light as paper, and it can also buy scrolls, incense, and miscellaneous games. It is better to have more animals for standby in the fast.” The “Japanese box” here refers to the painted lacquer box in Japan. Because of its light weight, excellent workmanship, and mostly small size, it is considered suitable for storing such antiques as “ancient jade heavy objects or small volumes of the Jin and Tang Dynasties” or “scrolls, incense, and miscellaneous toys”, or in writing boxes, so there is a saying that more should be stored in the study for standby.