Scholar's Box

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Scholar's Box

18th century

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Although the history of lacquerwork goes back at least two thousand years in Korea, the majority of surviving lacquer objects date from the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) dynasties. Most Korean lacquer pieces are decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, and they often include twisted brass wires. Korean artists preferred to use abalone shell for their mother-of-pearl inlay because of its luminous colors. This scholar's box is an excellent example of its kind; a scholar would use such a container to store an inkstone or different kinds of stationery.

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Object Details

Title:

Scholar's Box

Date:

18th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Medium:

Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl and brass wire inlay; brass fittings

Dimensions:

9 1/2 x 17 x 11 3/4 inches (24.1 x 43.2 x 29.8 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Purchased with the James and Agnes Kim Foundation Fund, 2006

Accession Number:

2006-74-1

Geography:

Made in Korea, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

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