Artwork Details
Colonial Period
Writing Box
Description:
With the inaugural voyage of the so-called "Manila Galleon" in 1565—a lengthy journey that began at the port of Cavite, near Manila in the Philippines, and concluded in Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico—an important commercial exchange commenced between the Spanish colonies of America and the Far East, lasting more than two centuries.
The influx of a wide variety of sumptuous Asian goods throughout the New World simultaneously spurred the American production of Eastern-inspired items to satisfy a market eager for objects decorated "in the Chinese style." This writing box, possibly crafted in Peru, exemplifies this trend. Its exterior is entirely adorned with etched mother-of-pearl inlays, arranged in a complex geometrical pattern. The interior features red and gold faux-lacquer paint with Chinese-inspired designs and is divided into several compartments, including tiny secret drawers.
With the inaugural voyage of the so-called "Manila Galleon" in 1565—a lengthy journey that began at the port of Cavite, near Manila in the Philippines, and concluded in Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico—an important commercial exchange commenced between the Spanish colonies of America and the Far East, lasting more than two centuries.
The influx of a wide variety of sumptuous Asian goods throughout the New World simultaneously spurred the American production of Eastern-inspired items to satisfy a market eager for objects decorated "in the Chinese style." This writing box, possibly crafted in Peru, exemplifies this trend. Its exterior is entirely adorned with etched mother-of-pearl inlays, arranged in a complex geometrical pattern. The interior features red and gold faux-lacquer paint with Chinese-inspired designs and is divided into several compartments, including tiny secret drawers.
- Artist: Unidentified artist, Peru
- Title: Writing Box
- Date: Eighteenth century
- Materials: Cedar box plastered in mother-of-pearl with painted and gilded interior, iron lock
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 34 x 42.9 cm (6 1/2 x 13 3/8 x 16 7/8 in.)
- Artist: Unidentified artist, Peru
- Title: Writing Box
- Date: Eighteenth century
- Materials: Cedar box plastered in mother-of-pearl with painted and gilded interior, iron lock
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 34 x 42.9 cm (6 1/2 x 13 3/8 x 16 7/8 in.)
Description:
With the inaugural voyage of the so-called "Manila Galleon" in 1565—a lengthy journey that began at the port of Cavite, near Manila in the Philippines, and concluded in Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico—an important commercial exchange commenced between the Spanish colonies of America and the Far East, lasting more than two centuries.
The influx of a wide variety of sumptuous Asian goods throughout the New World simultaneously spurred the American production of Eastern-inspired items to satisfy a market eager for objects decorated "in the Chinese style." This writing box, possibly crafted in Peru, exemplifies this trend. Its exterior is entirely adorned with etched mother-of-pearl inlays, arranged in a complex geometrical pattern. The interior features red and gold faux-lacquer paint with Chinese-inspired designs and is divided into several compartments, including tiny secret drawers.
With the inaugural voyage of the so-called "Manila Galleon" in 1565—a lengthy journey that began at the port of Cavite, near Manila in the Philippines, and concluded in Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico—an important commercial exchange commenced between the Spanish colonies of America and the Far East, lasting more than two centuries.
The influx of a wide variety of sumptuous Asian goods throughout the New World simultaneously spurred the American production of Eastern-inspired items to satisfy a market eager for objects decorated "in the Chinese style." This writing box, possibly crafted in Peru, exemplifies this trend. Its exterior is entirely adorned with etched mother-of-pearl inlays, arranged in a complex geometrical pattern. The interior features red and gold faux-lacquer paint with Chinese-inspired designs and is divided into several compartments, including tiny secret drawers.
Colonial Period
