Paste Box Item Number: 3588/5 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Blue and white porcelain paste box (part a); rectangular in shape with a separate lid (part b). Sides on both components have central four-petaled flowers surrounded by vines. Top of lid has a peony in the centre, surrounded by vines; edges are bordered with a Greek key motif. Bottom of box and interiors of box and lid are undecorated. Box has a raised foot, and an inner lip, for the lid to rest on.

History Of Use

Box used to store paste used for seals.

Narrative

Purchased by donors in Hong Kong in 1980. Said to be over 100 years old at that time.

Iconographic Meaning

Peony flower represents spring.

Item History

What

Name
Paste Box
Identification Number
3588/5 a-b
Type of Item
box
Material
clay, paint and glaze
Overall
height 4.6 cm, width 9.0 cm, depth 6.4 cm

Who

Culture
Chinese
Previous Owner
Linda Fitzpatrick and Ross Fitzpatrick
Received from
Ross Fitzpatrick (Donor) and Linda Fitzpatrick (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
China

When

Creation Date
between 1850 and 1880
Collection Date
during 1980
Ownership Date
before August 31, 2022
Acquisition Date
on August 31, 2022

Other

Item Classes
ceramics
Condition
good
Accession Number
3588/0005 a-b