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Double-Layered Box

2nd century BC
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This luxurious box formed part of the deceased’s personal effects, unearthed together with a large group of musical instruments and wood figurines of performers and waiters. A bronze mirror found in its lower layer indicates that it was a cosmetics box. The red and green clouds painted on its black-lacquered surface are outlined meticulously in white. Exceptionally, these patterns were applied using mineral pigments mixed with oil; among more than five hundred pieces of lacquer excavated at Mawangdui, only a few objects were painted in this way.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 双层漆奁
  • Title: Double-Layered Box
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Date: 2nd century BC
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Lacquer over wood
  • Dimensions: H. 6 5/8 in. (16.9 cm); Diam. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Lent by Hunan Provincial Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art