Container

Accession Number
2006/2.43A&B

Title
Container

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
cinnabar-laquered wood with metal band

Dimensions
7 1/2 in. x 5 5/16 in. x 5 7/8 in. ( 19 cm x 13.5 cm x 15 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Ellen and Richard Laing

Label copy
Lacquered boxes and containers, long holding a place of importance in Chinese material culture, were often used as to hold all kinds of precious gifts and items as part of the trousseau or dowry of the bride. This duck-shaped container was probably used at weddings, perhaps to serve rice or some other food. Red is the color of happiness, appropriate for a wedding while mandarin ducks, believed to mate for life, are symbols of marital bliss and conjugal fidelity.
(Label for UMMA Chinese Gallery Opening Rotation, March 2009)

Subject matter
This duck-shaped container was probably used at weddings, perhaps to serve rice or some other food. Red is the color of happiness, appropriate for a wedding. Mandarin ducks, believed to mate for life, are symbols of marital bliss and conjugal fidelity.

Physical Description
Red lacquered wooden duck-shaped container wth lid

Primary Object Classification
Wood and Woodcarving

Primary Object Type
container

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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& Author Notes

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