Bamboo veneer box in the shape of a melon

Ch'ing dynasty (A.D. 1644--1911)
Height: 9.9cm Diameter: 10.4 cm

This box was first craved out of boxwood, then strips of bamboo veneer were glued to the surface. The entire surface of the bamboo veneer was then incised with a geometric diaper pattern. On the lid, a stem, leaves, and vines made out of boxwood were glued on to the surface of the veneer. The leaves and vines were subsequently also covered in bamboo veneer. A small, round piece of bamboo veneer covers the slightly concave ring foot. The entire inside surface of this piece is plated with gold.

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