Round Lacquer Box with 
Mother-of-pearl Inlay Peony 
Motif
Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-
1644)
Diameter:       13.0cm
     A round  cosmetic box 
coated with black lacquer.  
The cover is inlaid with 
pieces of mother-of-pearl 
in the shape of a plant in 
full bloom next to a rock 
and a dragon-fly.  The 
shell pieces are polished 
to produce beautiful blue 
and green hues.