Carved Box

Beautifully mellowed with age, this covered box is directly influenced in shape and decoration by a type of carved, lacquer popular during the Yuan and Ming dynasties called ti-hsi. Ti-hsi decoration is comprised of so-called "sword pommel" motifs. Resembling ju-i heads, the designs were repeated over the entire surface of the container. Similar designs can be seen in carved lacquer and hardwood boxes shown in adjacent galleries.