Vadas József (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 12. (Budapest, 1992)
Ferenc Hopp Museum of Eastern Asiatic Arts
of lacquer in seven shades of red, green, yellow and purple. Both the interior and die bottom of die box are covered widi glossy black lacquer. It is decorated with fine carving exquisitely done: on the cover the large character "spring" is visible, with a medallion containing the sitting image of the God of Longevity (Shou-xing). On both the left and the right side of die character, flying dragons can be seen twisting among clouds. Below die character a vessel is to be found, containing various kinds of shining treasures. The Spring and the Spring Festival are the beginning of the new year in the Chinese calendar. This is a time to wish good luck and happiness. The name of diis lacquer box and its whole decorative scheme reflect this concept. The central character for spring is surrounded by precious tilings, symbols of long life, wealtii, health, good luck etc. The cover and the sides of our box are decorated widi four medallions each, consisting of scenes of landscapes and human figures. The Eight Emblems can be seen among these medallions. The various diaper motifs and the different tiny carved bands around each section as well as die neatiy use of die various shades of die lacquer, also testify to the high quality of Chinese lacquer carving in die 18th century. The box supposed to have been produced in die Imperial Manufactory at Suzhou (Jiangsu province) and it served as an imperial gift. Analogies are published in: Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum. Taipei, Taiwan, 1971. PI. 25.; Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum. Wenwu chuban she. Peking, 1985 Pis. 284., 326., 330., 332. Purchased from Andor Madarász. Inv.No.: 91.22.1-2. 7. Mandarin square Ke-si tapestry with hand-painted details. China, second half of die 19th century. Size: 32 x 30 cm. The mandarin duck looking left denotes the seventh civil official rank. It is surrounded by treasures and otiier symbols. The whole picture is framed by flowery border ornaments. Purchase. Inv.No.: 91.27.1. ( Györgyi Fa jcsák) 8. "The Months of Japanese Children for 1908" (Calenda, ) Colour print on creped paper. Japan, Tokyo, 1908. Size: 13.5 x 13.5 cm. Fourteen illustrations in colour print; one comer Japanese binding. Tides in English. First edition was published in 1897 by Takcjiro Hascgawa. Purchased from Dr. (Mrs.) László Nómcfh. Inv.No.: 91.24.1. 9. Amida nyorai (Buddha Amitabha) Bronze figure, ivory head, hands and feet. Japan, turn of the 20tii century. Height: 13.8 cm. Seated figure of Amida in meditation (dhyanasana) posture, hands in jobon josho mudra. Donated by Anna Hartner. Inv.No.: 91.20.1. (Éva Cseh) 10. Lama surrounded by protective deities and pupils (lama ist painting) Silk, colours, black silk border, dust curtain. Mongolia, 18th century. Size: die painting 57 x 41.4 cm, with border: 108 x 57 cm.
