Seal Paste Jar

Small covered boxes have been used in China to keep seal paste since the 10th century. The paste, made of red pigments and oils, was used to stamp paintings, calligraphy, rubbings, and books with collectors' names and seals. The bottom of this fine container bears an imperial Qianlong (r. 1736–95) mark, whereas the lid has a 16-character poem written in clerical script. The poem reads: The gathering of a person’s constitution Brings together all that is pure and virtuous; Auspicious sun and clouds; The sky clears to reveal the moon.