Images(2)

Yong (male attendant)

Date3rd century BCE

Label TextThe oldest painting colors in the Chinese funerary context were cinnabar red and black lacquer, substances that are both toxic and preservative. Painted-wood grave goods serving the afterworld needs of the deceased were decorated with patterns in this color scheme. The inventory might include coffins, vessels, and multiple sets of figures like this servant. By the 3rd century BCE, red, black, green, yellow, and white belonged in the wuxing (“Five Agents”) system for understanding the cyclical workings of the universe, where the five colors correlated with the five elements, directions, animals, planets, body organs, and musical tones.

Object number49.122

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.Published ReferencesKnight, Michael, "East Asian Lacquers in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1992, no. 2, pp. 7-8

Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection

Dimensions23 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. (59.69 x 10.8 x 7.94 cm) Overall h.: 23 1/2 in.

MediumWood with lacquer and paint