Lobed box with parrots and birds

Along with the bulk cargo of relatively inexpensive bowls, there were a few objects, such as this decorated box, made of gold and silver on the Tang Shipwreck. Most of these were made in southern China. With the decline of the central government in the 9th century, artists had fled the capital Chang’an (Xi’an) to settle in the still-wealthy seaports. Finely crafted gold objects were favoured at the imperial court, which frequently received such items as tribute from provincial leaders. This silver lobed box is decorated on all sides, with parrots and birds hammered in relief on the top, and a different motif engraved on the bottom. They might have been used as containers for incense, cosmetics, or medicine.

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