Middle Qing Dynasty
Height: l0.5cm
Diameter of mouth: 31.5cm

The box is shaped like a water chestnut, with four short feet at the bottom. The whole body of the box is coated with brown lacquer, on which gold scraps are scattered. And it is adorned with raised gold-painted motifs. The middle of the lid is dominated by a peony flower, which is surrounded by chrysanthemums, plums, bamboos and bitter gourds, etc. The edge is adorned with one-legged dragon motifs. The wall of the box is full of various motifs like bats, peaches, guavas, fingered citrons, evergreen plants, catfish, ruyi, seals and fire balls, etc. There are nine white jade plates inside the box. The one in the middle is adorned with the motif of five bats and longevity and the other eight are adorned with eight-treasure motifs.

With white jade plates inside, the gold-painted lacquer box looks more luxurious. It's one of the best works of imperial court lacquer ware.