Photo: National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea

Covered box

Datelate 18th-early 19th century

Label TextThe strong association of lotuses with Buddhism suggests that this box may have been used to store scrolls of sacred scripture. The lotuses and other floral motifs were created by inlaying mother-of-pearl (the shiny, inside surface of some mollusk shells) into the box’s lacquer surface. The artist first covered the box’s shell with layers of lacquer (sap of the poison sumac tree) before arranging pieces of mother-of-pearl and then covering the surface again with lacquer, before selectively polishing and removing it to reveal the iridescent designs.

Object number93.165

Photo CreditPhoto: National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Korean Sensibilities: The Colors of Life, September 17, 2002 - December 5, 2005. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Meot: Korean Art from the Frank Bayley Collection, August 28, 2024 - March 9, 2025.

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Estate of Pauline King Butts

Dimensions7 5/16 x 14 9/16 x 9 1/16in. (18.5 x 37 x 23cm)

MediumBlack lacquer on wood, mother-of-pearl inlay