Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:early 17th century Culture:China Medium:Carved red lacquer; gilded basketry panels Dimensions:H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.60a, b The lid of this box has carved plum blossoms and a pair of magpies. As opposed to its association with ill fortune in the West, the magpie is one of the most auspicious birds in Chinese culture because its name is pronounced the same as the word for “happiness” (xi).
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:early 17th century Culture:China Medium:Carved red lacquer; gilded basketry panels Dimensions:H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.60a, b The lid of this box has carved plum blossoms and a pair of magpies. As opposed to its association with ill fortune in the West, the magpie is one of the most auspicious birds in Chinese culture because its name is pronounced the same as the word for “happiness” (xi).