New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Five-Lobed Covered Box with Decoration of a Qilin Standing on Rocks Rising out of a Sea of Rolling Waves

Artist Unknown

CultureChinese | Qing Dynasty

Datelate 17th - early 18th century

MediumPorcelain with decoration painted in overglaze polychrome enamels

DimensionsOverall: 3 5/8 x 5 1/8 in. (9.2 x 13 cm)

InscribedArtemesia leaf painted in black on bottom.

Credit LineGift of Mrs. William Fitzpatrick

Object number71.3.4

Collections

Asian Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 106

DescriptionCovered 5-lobed box is painted in famille verte enamels on the biscuit. Lid is slightly convex with addition of sperical green jade ball screwed on as a handle (probably a later addition). Interior of box and lid in the biscuit; body light cream-tan with darker rim where lid rests on top of box. Lid painted with qilin. A qilin is a Chinese unicorn (mythical hoofed chimerical creature). He prances on spiraling waves and rectangular rocks; aubergine sky behind. Edge of lid has spiraling wave pattern. Each lobe of box contains one fish swimming in spiraling waves and flowers. Each fish is slightly different in color and detail; all swim in same direction around box. Whole design outlined in black. Bottom is flat and indented, forming 1/4" foot.

Label TextFive Lobed Covered Box with Decoration of a Qilin Standing on Rocks Rising out of a Sea of Rolling Waves, late 17th to early 18th century Chinese, Qing Dynasty Porcelain with decoration painted in overglaze polychrome enamels, 3 5/8 x 5 1/8 in. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA Gift of Mrs. William Fitzpatrick 71.3.4