Rectangular Box in Flat 
Marbled Lacquer
Ch'ing Dynasty (A.D. 1644-
1911)
Width            19.4cm
     This lacquer box is 
intended to hold an ink stone.  
Multiple layers of red, 
yellow and black lacquer
are applied to the surface, 
which is then polished to 
a smooth sheen.  The result 
is an irregular marbled 
pattern in  which  the 
colors are fascinatingly
intermingled.