Box with ivory inlay

As can be seen from the sides, this lacquer box was originally red. The carving style of the fourteenth
and early fifteenth centuries has a strong sculptural quality. The top of this box originally would have looked much like the sides, but it may once have been damaged, causing a later craftsman to repair it by applying layers of black lacquer. Another explanation is that after the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644, red lacquer became less popular, so someone may have tried updating the box by adding the black lacquer. Whatever the reason, the additional work is unusual and reflects the trouble collectors would go to in order to preserve Yongle-era carved lacquer ware. The use of high-status ivory on the lid is a pairing of two luxury commodities—only the finest materials would have been acceptable to add to lacquer.