Box Item Number: Edz912 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Box (a) with lid (b) shaped like a rectangular cube with rounded corners. Box is 2/3 of height; lid the remaining 1/3. Inside is enamelled dark green; underside a slightly lighter green. At centre of underside is brass wire circle with 4 u-shaped wires inside. Edges of box and all exposed wires are brass. Sides of box and lid have red, light red, and orange flowers on green ground with wires in irregular scroll patterns. Along lower edge of box sides are 2 rows of alternating blue half circles. On top of lid, clustered in one corner, is design of morning glories and other flowers with leaves in polychrome on yellow ground.

History Of Use

The technique of making cloisonne enamel work was first introduced to China in the 14th century or perhaps earlier, having evolved in Europe and the Middle East. This piece is probably of late 19th to early 20th century manufacture, made for sale to Europeans.

Cultural Context

made for export or tourists