Foliate box and cover, 14th century, 12 x 14 5/8 in. ( x cm), Lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay, China, 14th century, Impressive for its size and age, this spectacular presentation box is elaborately decorated in mother-of-pearl inlay on a black lacquer ground. Although the shell-inlay technique dates from the late Bronze Age and was popular in both Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, very few examples of this important style have survived from those early eras. The lid of this tall box depicts an outdoor scene with figures in terraced pavilions and on the veranda.

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Size: 6014px × 5698px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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