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1 of 253523 objects
Pair of Imperial boxes mark and reign of Qianlong, 1736-95
Red lacquer | 7.5 x 15.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 3308

China
Pair of Imperial boxes mark and reign of Qianlong, 1736-95

China
Master: Pair of Imperial boxes Item: Red lacquer box mark and reign of Qianlong, 1736-95

China
Master: Pair of Imperial boxes mark and reign of Qianlong, 1736-95

China
Master: Pair of Imperial boxes Item: Cover mark and reign of Qianlong, 1736-95




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A pair of imperial boxes and covers with shallow, straight-sided, square box with rim flanged for the cover, which is of similar form and flat-topped; the flat underside of the box similarly decorated. The design comprises a central square motif, outlined by taut cords, in the form of a swastika, a Buddhist emblem of good fortune, with four bats, surrounded on each side by two further bats on a ground of swastika diaper; the sides of box and cover alike with two rectangular panels, each containing two bats, thus representing duo fu (many bats), duo fu (many blessings or much happiness), together with the 卍 wan character, the rebus being wan fu (ten thousand blessings). Inside the cover, incised and filled with gold, the six-character reign-mark, and above, the inscription:
多福寶盒
Duofu baohe
‘Much happiness’ precious boxes
Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume III.Provenance
Acquired by George III. Presented by the Qianlong emperor following Lord Macartney’s Embassy of 1792–4: ‘red carved lacquer “much happiness” precious boxes, one pair’ (Royal Archives GEO ADD31/21D). Formerly at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, described as two square boxes with ‘cord borders’, and sent to Kensington Palace in June 1848 (1829A, p. 45).
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Red lacquer
Measurements
7.5 x 15.3 cm (whole object)
Other number(s)
Place of Production
China