Twelve-lobed covered box

Twelve-lobed covered box

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lacquer boxes with lobed sides and pewter trim are typical of Yuan-dynasty artwork. Many were fitted with an interior tray that probably held cosmetics, combs, hairpins, and other adornments. This box represents a creative design that transforms a twelve-petal flower form into an elongated oval.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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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.