Carved Polychrome Lacquer
Box with Character "Spring" 
and Longevity Symbol 
Ch'ien-lung period (A.D. 
1736-1796)
Ch'ing Dynasty
Height:           12.6cm
Diameter:       35.4cm
     This round covered 
polychrome box is coated 
with seven different shades 
of lacquer.  Carved on the 
cover is the character 
"Spring" (ch'un).  The top 
part of this character is 
decorated with an image 
of the god of Longevity 
and on each side there are 
dragon and cloud patterns, 
while beneath there are 
symbolic treasures.  The 
outside   walls   of   the 
vessel  are  decorated  with 
landscapes    and    human 
figures contained in four
medallions. In between the
medallions    there    are 
emblems   of   the   "Eight
Treasures." On the center of
the  underside  is  a  six-
character Ch'ien-lung reign
mark and a four-character 
inscription    "Ch'un-shou 
pao-ho."