Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli period (1573–1620) Culture:China Medium:Carved red, black, yellow, and green lacquer Dimensions:H. 4 in. (10 cm); W. 8 in. (20.4 cm); L. 12 3/4 in. (32.5 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.43a, b Boxes of this type were also produced in porcelain and were principally used to present important documents or gifts. The four claws on the dragons ’ feet suggest that this example was made for a member of the nobility; five-clawed dragons symbolized the emperor.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Wanli period (1573–1620) Culture:China Medium:Carved red, black, yellow, and green lacquer Dimensions:H. 4 in. (10 cm); W. 8 in. (20.4 cm); L. 12 3/4 in. (32.5 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.43a, b Boxes of this type were also produced in porcelain and were principally used to present important documents or gifts. The four claws on the dragons ’ feet suggest that this example was made for a member of the nobility; five-clawed dragons symbolized the emperor.