Box with Cover
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Nephrite, gray with faint greenish tint
Dimensions
H. 7/8 in. (2.3 cm); W. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); D. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
India · Mughal period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.776a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite "Box with Cover," in the 17th century during India's Mughal period, exemplifies the era's mastery of luxury materials. Fashioned from nephrite—a durable gray jade with a faint greenish tint—the small rectangular box measures just 7/8 inch high and about 2 11/16 inches wide and deep, making it a perfect fit for a pocket or jewelry case. Its compact form highlights the Mughals' appreciation for refined, portable treasures, likely used to hold precious spices, gems, or among the elite. In the opulent Mughal court, jade held profound cultural significance as a symbol of imperial po...