Round Box
Unknown Artist
c. 1760–70
Medium
Tortoiseshell with red lacquer; inlays of gold, silver, and brass wire; contains a portrait miniature
Dimensions
{"diameter":{"height":0.023,"width":0.064}}
Classification
Miscellaneous
Department
Decorative Art and Design
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
In memory of Ruth Probala
Accession Number
1988.48.a
About this artwork
This small lacquer box, made in France during the 1700s, references China in that it imitates Chinese material and craftmanship such as red lacquer and celadon. This round box with an inlaid key pattern (an interlocking geometric motif ), emulates the bright vermilion color of Chinese red lacquer, typical of Suzhou lacquer ware. The key pattern is reminiscent of the so-called Chinese thunder pattern (leiwen).