Octagonal lacquered box with decor of appreciating antiquities. 18th -19 th century, Qing dynasty.-China Archive

Octagonal lacquered box with decor of appreciating antiquities. 18th -19 th century, Qing dynasty.

Image Number: K1H000522N000000000PAB
Dynasty: Qing dynasty
Category: Lacquer wares
Function: Stationery
Material: Plants/Wood/Rosewood
Description:
Duobao is a box for storing all kinds of curios. Under the good ancient and sensitive atmosphere, scholars in the Ming Dynasty developed a set of theories and practices for evaluating and collecting antiques. There were various stationery boxes. They not only enjoyed themselves alone, but also enjoyed themselves with friends. They not only enjoyed in the Zhongtang, but also took them with them when traveling, forming a part of the elegant life. The royal family in the Qing Dynasty enjoyed it deeply, and then made exquisite and ingenious Duobao, For the specific presentation of the palace cultural taste. This square box is square and octagonal. The division in the box is balanced and nearly symmetrical. The jade tube bucket pen and jade knife chopsticks are arranged with long grids respectively. The horizontal long grid is a jade inlaid wooden ruler. The horizontal short grid is six, with inkstone, pen target and brush wash, respectively. The lower layer is equipped with ink, jade sword handle, and counting beads. Most of them are stationery articles, which is the custom of the Ming Dynasty’s stationery box. The box cover is painted with red and brown paint. The side is decorated with gold lotus patterns. The box cover is inlaid with various jades, utensils and lacquer carving tools. The jade gourd bottle is inscribed with the word “Daji”. The bottle is inserted with wintersweet, pine twigs and southern India. In addition, the blooming daffodils, pomegranates, and chimes form the scene of the Spring Festival. The natural color of gems is used to create a happy atmosphere of celebration. The inner side of the box is made of red sandalwood, with such rich and auspicious patterns as embossed vase flowers, Ruyi and incense burners, which are both ancient and elegant when the occasion arises. This is enough to show that Duobao Ge has changed from a scholar’s taste to a new style of palace culture.