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Chinese Black Lacquered Wood Box - Imperial Dragons - Ming Period Wanli 17th

About the Item

Magnificent box Imperial jewelry box in black lacquered wood decorated with dragons. This wonderful box is lacquered on a black background with patterns painted in red, green, white and gold on the lid and around. The decoration consists of two five-clawed dragons fighting to chase the sacred pearl represented in the center of the lid of the box. A dragon is represented on the front of the box, another on each side. The main scene representing the dragons is decorated with scrollwork and lotus flowers. The fittings are in bronze. The front closure system is lotus shaped. The interior of the box is black lacquered. The Dragons represented here systematically have 5 claws, which makes them Imperial dragons. The dragon was the symbol of the Emperor of China for two millennia. In ancient times, it was one of the four magical animals. It is also one of the twelve cyclical animals of the Chinese calendar. We find dragons represented in most ancient mythologies. The legs of the Chinese dragon have 3 to 5 claws, which indicate the “rank” that the dragon occupies among its peers. The 5-clawed dragon is considered the most powerful. Only the Emperor of China could use this emblem, as well as his family. This is why any element of clothing, furniture or architecture bearing the 5-clawed dragon was attributed to the imperial family and respected as such. Beautiful dimensions for this superb box, a wonderful vestige of Chinese history. Lacquered wood - China - Ming Period WANLI XVIIth ​
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.53 in (11.5 cm)Width: 13.78 in (35 cm)Depth: 9.85 in (25 cm)
  • Style:
    Ming (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1600
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. some lack of lacquer on the corners due to age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Beuzevillette, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2663338114632
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