Incense box with fragrant grass design

Incense box with fragrant grass design

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The scrolling design that fills the surface of this box is often called the “fragrant grass” motif in Chinese writings on lacquer. It is closely linked to another pattern featuring abstract scrolls that is popularly known as the “pommel scroll.” Both designs, ubiquitous in carved lacquer, can be traced to abstract patterns in early Chinese lacquers and bronze vessels. The reemergence of this motif during the Song period (960–1279) reflects the fascination with antiquarian imagery that marked this period of Chinese history and the rediscovery of that time of earlier artistic traditions.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Incense box with fragrant grass designIncense box with fragrant grass designIncense box with fragrant grass designIncense box with fragrant grass designIncense box with fragrant grass design

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.