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Title

Box with Double-Dragon Design

Artist

Artist Unknown, Korea

Physical Description

Lacquered wooden box with inlaid mother-of-pearl in double-dragon design. The heads of each dragon stretch diagonally inward from opposite corners of the box, with wide eyes and open mouths. Their bodies curve in and out of the top plane of the box, creating an opposing effect with symmetrical balance. The dragons reach forward towards a flaming orb in the center of the box, called a cintamani, or Buddhist wish-granting jewel. Among the dragons are swirling cloud designs made of inlaid nacre and copper wire.

Century

18th-19th century

Object Creation Date

late 18th century - early 19th century

Accession Number

2007/2.8

Medium and Support

lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, and copper wire inlays

relevance

rank 13.58586

Primary Keywords

boxes (containers)

dragons

lacquer

shellwork

wood (plant material)