Curio Boxes: Toy Chests of the Qing Emperor

Curio box with gold engraving and lacquered dragon-and phoenix patterns Qianlong era (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty H: 25.6 cm, W: 19.5 cm, L: 26.6 cm

According to imperial records, Emperor Qianlong took an active interest in curio box, and was fully involved in the design and assembly of some curio boxes. The emperor asked the workshops to hand over the assembling curio boxes every five days. Once the artisans hoped to delay the inspection for they were mounting a lining in the curio boxes, but the request was rejected by the eager emperor.

Maybe it is the multivariate combination of structure and perfect use of space by integrating practicability and beauty that form the most unique glamour of curio box.

By Liu Fang