Box with Geometric Patterns

Box with Geometric Patterns

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The dense, precise surface decoration of this small porcelain box resembles work in carved lacquer, demonstrating the consummate skill with which Qing-dynasty artists manipulated porcelaneous material. It was most likely used to hold incense, cosmetics, or paste for sealing documents and other types of records, including certificates of ownership for paintings.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Box with Geometric PatternsBox with Geometric PatternsBox with Geometric PatternsBox with Geometric PatternsBox with Geometric Patterns

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.