Chrysanthemum-Shaped Box with Lid

The tradition of using natural lacquer for artistic purposes has existed in China since the Neolithic Age. It was first used to preserve objects or to paint on wood and other materials. Later, it was coloured black or red and carved – decorative carving was done after the many layers of lacquer dried. Lacquer was very often used to make boxes of all shapes and sizes for interiors. The National Gallery acquired this box on the occasion of the reopening of its permanent exhibition at Zbraslav Chateau as a gift from collector and patron of the arts Reiner Kreissl. It bears typical flowers and birds genre decoration. The chrysanthemum is one of the most noble flowers and is sometimes called “the rose of the East” for its popularity. It represents autumn in the group of “flowers of the four seasons”, which includes prunus, orchid and bamboo.