Yuan Dynasty (China), 14th century / Wood, lacquer / Giichi Tanaka collection

Foiled box shaped as a flower with ten petals. It is supposed that a plate made of hawksbill turtle shell fitted on top of the cover. The seam of the box as well as the contour of the petals are outlined with lead. This piece was produced in the transition period from the Northern Song Dynasty lacquerware, with characteristic neat forms and beautiful lacquered colors, to a more exuberant and powerful expression.