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Container

Chinese

Artwork Details

Container
20th century
Chinese
cinnabar-laquered wood with metal band
7 7/16 x 5 5/16 x 5 7/8 in. (19.0 x 13.5 x 15.0 cm)
Gift of Ellen and Richard Laing
2006/2.43A&B

Description

Lacquered boxes and containers, long holding a place of importance in Chinese material culture, were often used as to hold all kinds of precious gifts and items as part of the trousseau or dowry of the bride. This duck-shaped container was probably used at weddings, perhaps to serve rice or some other food. Red is the color of happiness, appropriate for a wedding while mandarin ducks, believed to mate for life, are symbols of marital bliss and conjugal fidelity.
(Label for UMMA Chinese Gallery Opening Rotation, March 2009)

Subject Matter:

This duck-shaped container was probably used at weddings, perhaps to serve rice or some other food. Red is the color of happiness, appropriate for a wedding. Mandarin ducks, believed to mate for life, are symbols of marital bliss and conjugal fidelity.

Physical Description:

Red lacquered wooden duck-shaped container wth lid

Usage Rights:

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