Artwork preview

Octagonal box with scene of immortals

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Octagonal box with a rounded shape and flat base. The box is made of a reddish-brown material, possibly cinnabar or lacquer. It features intricate carvings covering its entire surface. The carvings depict various scenes and geometric patterns. Eight rectangular panels are on the sides, each containing a scene with figures, possibly immortals, and foliage. Geometric borders separate the panels. The box has a wide, flat base with a carved border. The lid is not visible. The background of the image is a gradient from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom. A shadow is cast to the right of the box.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Carved red lacquer
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette