Chinese, Ming dynasty, Jiajing mark and period
(1522–1566)
Circular Box with Dragon and Phoenix Design
1522–66
multicolor lacquer with carved design (ticai)
4⅞ x 13 in
12.38 x 33.02 cm
Special Oriental Art Purchase Fund
73.27 a-b
The dragon and phoenix on this box indicate that it was made for the imperial family. Eight treasures and eight musical instruments—Taoist motifs symbolic of prosperity and good fortune—were carved on the outer bands and reveal the Jiajing emperor’s interests and beliefs. The bottom of the lacquer box is incised and filled in with gold, forming six characters that translate to “made in the reign of Jiajing of the Great Ming.”