Curio in National Palace Museum, Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios from the Qianlong reign in the Qing dynasty! Here, you can explore some of the most beautiful and intricate artifacts from this period. Our collection includes a Cloisonne and painted enamel butter tea jar, a Round Bamboo-Veneered Curio Box with Lotus Blossom Decor, Inkstones for Imperial Usage, Carved Polychrome Lacquer Box in the Shape of Conjoined Spheres, and a Square Sandalwood Curio Case. All of these items are unique pieces of Chinese history that tell us about the culture and artistry of the time. Come take a look at these amazing artifacts today!

1. Cloisonne and painted enamel butter tea jar

This tea jar was made during the Qianlong reign in China (1736-1795). It is a full, round shape with an ornate, gilt-gold lid knob and three gilt-gold bands.

2. Round Bamboo-Veneered Curio Box with Lotus Blossom Decor (Containing 27 Curios)

This curio box has been joined by bamboo thread and has a "chu-huang" bamboo veneer carved with lotuses on the outer surface. The four fan-shaped quadrants of the body can be spread out in a straight line or turned around 360° to form a square display box.

3. Inkstones for Imperial Usage

The inkstone has six cloud-head feet at the base, and a round and square seal carved in the middle. On the top in relief is a carving in clerical script in two lines that reads "Pure Curio of the Qianlong [Emperor]".

4. Carved Polychrome Lacquer Box in the Shape of Conjoined Spheres

This is a Double-union Treasure Chest. It has two colors of lacquer on the surface. The bottom is dark yellow and the top is bright red.

5. Square Sandalwood Curio Case (Containing 32 Curios)

This curio box looks like a plain container when it is closed. It does not take up much space, which is an advantage. Although the outside looks simple, it is actually quite intricate. The reason lies in the decorative method used by the artisans who made it.