Title
Covered box
Year/Period
Tang dynasty, around 830s
Region
Changsha kilns, Hunan province, China
Material
Dimension
Object Size: 5.3 x 10.9 cm
Accession No.
2005.1-00348
Collection of
Credit Line
The Tang Shipwreck was acquired through the generous donation of the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat.
This stoneware box was made in the Changsha kilns of Southern China around the 830s. These kilns produced ceramics on an industrial scale. Lively competition among China’s kilns during the 9th century meant that potters had to constantly tailor their designs to appeal to customers. A successful new design would often be copied by another kiln. Artists sometimes drew inspiration from Middle Eastern designs. This box for instance has a cover decorated with palmettes. The shared design is emblematic of the relationship between China and the Middle East.
