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 interesting and unique artifacts from this period. We have a variety of different items on display here, including a Planter with a coral carving of the planetary deity Kuixing, a Gilt Flint Case with Coral-and-Turquoise Inlay, a Bamboo Water Container in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf, a Champleve Box with Filigree Work, an Ivory Four-tiered Food-Carrying Case in Openwork Relief, 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. Come take a look at these incredible artifacts today!

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

This planter has a special kind of sculpture inside instead of a plant. This type of sculpture was very popular in the Qing dynasty court.

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

This rectangular box-shaped case has thin iron plates inlaid at the bottom. When you release the coral knob at the top, you can open the case to reveal a long, narrow container made of thin gold plate. This is where the flint and tinder were stored.

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

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

4. Champleve Box with Filigree Work

This box is decorated with flowers and a symbol for longevity. The enamelware is lustrous and colorful.

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

This handled food container has four levels, into which different kinds of food can be placed. The exterior suggests it was more likely used as a decorative object as opposed to an actual functional utensil.

6. Meat-shaped Stone

The "Meat-shaped stone" was carved from jasper minerals. The artist used the natural layered patterns to create the effect of marinated pork skin. The top layer was dyed brownish-red to mimic the color of 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 boxes were used as a curio box for objects in the Qing dynasty, which explains why a small jade object is found stored in each of the small boxes.

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

Chen Zuzhang was originally from Guandong and entered the Imperial Bureau of Manufacture during the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735). In 1737, he carved a small boat from an olive pit. On the boat are 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, the center for the production of pocket watches was in London. This pair of pocket watches is a testimony to Sino-Western exchange, and is also a marvel of mechanical and artistic craftsmanship.

10. Gold Mandala with Turquoise Inlay