This rectangular box features floral and geometric motifs beautifully inlaid in mother-of-pearl, paired with basketry panels. The use of flowers and scrolling foliage as the main decoration makes this piece unusual as these motifs typically formed the supplementary design in a lacquer box. The floral decoration on the lid also reveals the care with which the artisan had executed his design. Pieces of shell with a pinkish iridiscence are chosen for the florets and set in beautiful contrast against the green and purple hues of the leafy tendrils. Lacquer objects incorporating basketry panels into their overall design were a popular type of Chinese lacquerware produced during the late Ming period and associated with South China. These mostly took the form of boxes that may have been used for long-term storage or the presentation of gifts.
