Reticulated Box

Chinese Qing Dynasty

National Gallery of Art

This is a highly decorated circular object with a flat top and bottom, resting on a short cylindrical base. The surface is ornately decorated with glazed patterns, including flowers and lattice work, interspersed with figures with light skin and dark hair wearing long flowing robes in shades of orange, brown, blue, and green. These figures appear framed within hexagonal yellow grids, each surrounded by green geometric patterns and floral elements painted in a palette of blue, green, yellow, orange, and earthy brown tones. The figures are engaged in different activities, some interacting with flowers or food, and some playing games. The spaces within the hexagonal grids are empty, showing through to the dark interior of the object and giving the appearance of honeycomb. A small white seam runs horizontally around the object, suggesting that it may open. The base of the vessel shows a combination of green and black with a wave-like scroll pattern.