Zitan Rosewood Box for the Jade Book of the Canon of Yao (S1992.77.2-.13)

Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, 1800-1920
Medium
Zitan rosewood
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 7.5 x 12.2 x 12.2 cm (2 15/16 x 4 13/16 x 4 13/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Transfer from the National Museum of Natural History, Department of Minerology, Smithsonian Institution
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1992.77.1a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Book, Container
Type

Box

Keywords
China, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Inscription(s)

The inscription on the box lid is the same as that on the title plaque (.2). Both read: Yu shu Yaodian 御書堯典 (Canon of Yao inscribed by the Emperor). The “Yao dian” (Canon of Yao) is an ancient Chinese text found in the Shujing 書經 (Classic of History).

On plaque .13 the text is dated and signed 庚申仲春月, 御書 “middle spring month of the gengshen year [27 February–27 March 1740], written by the Emperor,” and accompanied by two seals of Hongli, the Qianlong emperor (1711–1799; reigned 1735–96):

Huixin buyuan『會心不遠』(square intaglio)
De chong fu『德充符』(square relief)

Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use

Related Objects