CULTURAL TREASURES
Imperial Lacquerware Masterpiece: The Qianlong-Era Box That Symbolizes Eternal Prosperity
BEIJING — Among the Qing Dynasty treasures housed in the Palace Museum, a remarkable carved lacquer box from the Qianlong era (1736-1795) stands out as a testament to imperial craftsmanship and symbolic artistry. Measuring 12.8 cm × 32.2 cm × 20.6 cm, this rectangular container reveals the aesthetic sophistication of China’s 18th-century ruling class.
“The diamond lattice pattern enclosing paired chi dragons and bats represents the pinnacle of Qianlong-era lacquerwork—where technical precision met philosophical depth.”
A Symphony of Symbolism
The box’s exterior showcases the ticai (carved polychrome) technique, with alternating layers of yellow, green, and purple lacquer painstakingly carved to reveal a geometric masterpiece:
- Diamond lattice framework: Creates visual rhythm while symbolizing the interconnectedness of cosmic forces
- Circular medallions: Contain paired chi dragons (imperial power), bats (happiness), and squirrels with melon vines (endless progeny)
- Dual motifs: “Guadie mianmian” (endless prosperity) and “Fushou chengshuang” (double blessings of happiness and longevity)
Technical Brilliance
Chen Lihua, the Palace Museum researcher who documented this artifact (Accession Number: Gu 00108631①), notes that the box exemplifies three groundbreaking achievements:
| Innovation | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Gradation | Precise layer depth control creates smooth transitions between yellow, green, and purple |
| Micro-Carving | 0.2mm precision in rendering squirrel fur and dragon scales |
| Composition | Balanced asymmetry avoids rigid formality while maintaining imperial dignity |
Cultural Context
During the Qianlong Emperor’s 60-year reign, lacquerware production reached unprecedented levels of sophistication. Imperial workshops in Beijing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou competed to develop new techniques that would please the art-collecting monarch. This box likely held precious seals or documents in the Forbidden City’s inner chambers.
