Object
Box with phoenix and peony design
- Carved lacquer
- China, Qing dynasty, 17th–20th century
- Collection of National Museum of China
This circular lid with a flat top is designed using the tihong technique. The designs are carved or painted after partially drying dozens to a hundred layers of lacquer. The lid showcases shallow carvings of phoenix and peony design within the circular lines. The phoenix symbolizes the ‘king of birds’ and the peony ‘king of flowers,’ together representing the highest authority, honor, wealth, and prosperity.
