Box with Floral Motif

Artist

Korean (Korean)

Date

17th century

Medium

Lacquered wood, mother-of-pearl, iron

Dimensions

Work : 3 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. (9.53 x 18.41 x 10.8 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald Wheaton

Object Number

2014.23.313

Label

The technique of decorating lacquered objects with mother-of-pearl inlay was introduced to Korea from China sometime around the 8th century. During the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), inlaid lacquers were highly prized by Korea’s aristocratic classes. This box may have been made for a member of the scholar gentry class. The floral motifs all have strong literary associations and can also be seen in many Korean paintings from the same period.