Sweet box with compartments inside
| Accession Nr.: | 1670.1-2. |
|---|---|
| Type: | object for daily use; lacquers |
| Date of production: |
Second half of the 18th century
Qing dynasty |
| Place of production: |
| Materials/Techniques: | wood, lacquer, painted, mother-of-pearl inlay |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 12 × 15.6 cm |
The black lacquer box in the form of lotus flower was popular in the 10th–13th century. It was used as vanity case and contained cosmetics and accessories. The lotus as embodiement of chastity and perfection is the favourite symbol of Buddhism as well as the expression of female virtues. In the 18th century, porcelain and lackerware of the Sang period were commonly copied to evoke the artistic qualities and glamour of a bygone era by a historicising technical accomplishment.