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

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of curios from the Qing dynasty! This collection features some of the most unique and interesting artifacts from this period, including a Planter with a coral carving of the planetary deity Kuixing, a Gilt flint case with coral-and-turquoise inlay (with carved lacquer box and Qianlong reign mark), a Bamboo Water Container in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf with signature of Zhu Sansong, 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, and a Pair of Gild. These artifacts are all incredibly unique and provide us with a glimpse into the lives of people during this time period. Come explore these amazing artifacts today!

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

This was an auspicious planter display that was very popular in the Qing dynasty court. The figure is the Planetary Deity Kuei-xing delicately carved from a piece of red coral and holding a representation of the Big Dipper. The Deity Kuei-xing not only represents prospect of success in the civil service examinations but is also surrounded here by various auspicious symbols. TITLE: ORIGINAL_TEXT: SUMMARY: Take a close look at this planter:you won't find an actual plant inside, but instead, you'll see a special kind of sculpture. The figure is the Planetary Deity Kuei-xing delicately carved from a piece of red coral and holding a representation of the Big Dipper. The Deity Kuei-xing not only represents prospect of success in the civil service examinations but is also surrounded here by various auspicious symbols.

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

This gold gilt rectangular box-shaped case has thin iron plates inlaid at bottom. Upon releasing the coral knob at the top, the case can be opened to reveal a long, narrow interior container made of thin gold plate, in which the flint and tinder were stored. Sparks for fire were produced by striking the flint against the inlaid iron plates, and such flint cases were a common accessory worn about the waist by Qing dynasty men, with a role akin to that of the modern-day lighter.

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

The root of a bamboo has been carved here into the shape of a lotus leaf, with its curled edges closing together to form a pool in which a brush can be washed with water. The outside of the lotus leaf reveals veins, among which is a small signature in running script that reads "Made by Sansong."

4. Champleve Box with Filigree Work

The box is a champleve enamelware, which is a type of enamelware that is lustrous and colorful. The box is decorated with gold filament, which is a type of decoration that is dense and has been highlighted with the enamelware blue glaze. The box is a brilliant and eye-dazzling piece.

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

The body of this handled food container is divided into four levels, into which different kinds of food can be placed. Judging from the frail and delicate exterior, it was more likely used as a decorative object as opposed to an actual functional utensil. The carving is exceptionally refined, with the main part carved delicately in openwork from an ivory panel, which was inlaid into the frame.

6. Meat-shaped Stone

The "Meat-shaped stone" was carved from jasper minerals. The natural layered patterns were used by the artist to good effect. The top layer was dyed brownish-red to mimic the color of pork skin 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. Since it was used as a curio box for objects in the Qing dynasty, it explains why a small jade object is found stored in each of the small boxes. The surface of the box employs the techniques of maki-e and taka-maki-e to present a tree of cherry blossoms in nature. The background is also sprinkled with gold flecks to give the decoration an exotic and dazzling effect.

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

Chen Zuzhang, originally from Guandong, had already entered the Imperial Bureau of Manufacture in the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735). In 1737, he followed the natural shape of an olive pit to carve a small boat. On the boat are eight figures, each of which is animated and expressive in an individual manner.

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 not only testifies to Sino-Western exchange, the watches are also a marvel of mechanical and artistic craftsmanship. The watches are made of gold and silver, and are decorated with exquisite engravings.

10. Gold Mandala with Turquoise Inlay