Curio in National Palace Museum, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) part1

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios from the Qing dynasty! Here, you can explore some of the most exquisite artifacts from this period, such as a Planter with a coral carving of the planetary deity Kuixing, a Gilt Flint Case with Coral-and-Turquoise Inlay, and an Ivory Four-tiered Food-Carrying Case in Openwork Relief. You can also find a Meat-shaped Stone, a Set of Square Maki-e Lacquer Boxes decorated with Cherry Blossom Designs, a Ganlan Olive Stone Miniature Boat with the Ode to the Red Cliff Carved on the Bottom, a Pair of Gilded Bronze Pocket Watches Decorated with Painted Enamel, and a Gold Mandala with Turquoise Inlay. These artifacts are all unique pieces of Chinese history that tell us about how people lived during this time period. Come take a look at these incredible artifacts today!

1. Planter with a coral carving of the planetary deity Kuixing

High schoolers are under a lot of pressure. They have to juggle their academics with extracurricular activities, and sometimes they feel like they're not doing either one well enough.

2. Gilt flint case with coral-and-turquoise inlay (with carved lacquer box and Qianlong reign mark)

This gold case has thin iron plates at the bottom. The coral knob at the top opens the case to reveal a long, narrow container made of thin gold plate, which is where the flint and tinder were stored. To create sparks, the flint was struck against the inlaid iron plates.

3. Bamboo Water Container in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf, with signature of Zhu Sansong

This bamboo root has been carved into the shape of a lotus leaf, with its curled edges forming a pool. A brush can be washed with water in this pool.

4. Champleve Box with Filigree Work

This decorative box is made of gilt and features two levels of gold workmanship. The flowers, longevity character, and bat are highlighted against the background. The enamelware is lustrous and colorful.

5. Ivory Four-tiered Food-Carrying Case in Openwork Relief

This handled food container is divided into four levels, into which different kinds of food can be placed. The exterior is frail and delicate, and it is more likely that this container was used as a decorative object rather than an actual functional utensil.

6. Meat-shaped Stone

This "Meat-shaped stone" was carved from jasper minerals. The artist used the natural layered patterns to create a realistic-looking piece of pork marinated in soy sauce.

7. Set of Square Maki-e Lacquer Boxes, Decorated with Cherry Blossom Designs

This small set of Japanese lacquered boxes includes three small boxes and a shallow dish. The surface of the box employs the techniques of maki-e and taka-maki-e to present a tree of cherry blossoms in nature.

8. Ganlan Olive Stone Miniature Boat with the Ode to the Red Cliff Carved on the Bottom

Chen Zuzhang was originally from Guandong. He entered the Imperial Bureau of Manufacture during the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735). In 1737, he carved a small boat from an olive pit. The boat has eight figures, each with their own unique expression.

9. Pair of Gilded Bronze Pocket Watches Decorated with Painted Enamel

In the middle of the 18th century, London was the center for the production of pocket watches. This pair of pocket watches is a testimony to Sino-Western exchange, and they are also a marvel of mechanical and artistic craftsmanship.

10. Gold Mandala with Turquoise Inlay