Art Institute of Chicago
Double Melon-Shaped Box
China
- Date
- Five dynasties (907–960)
- Medium
- Yue ware; stoneware with underglaze carved and molded decoration
- Culture
- China
- Department
- Arts of Asia
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
The highly skilled Yaozhou potters often drew inspiration from nature. Yet this extremely playful lidded box, vividly crafted in the shape of two melons grown from a leafy vine, still stands out as a rare find. The box’s diminutive size and two internal compartments suggest that it was likely used as a cosmetic container on a lady’s dressing table. Characterized by its abundant seeds and winding vines, the melon was considered an auspicious symbol related to child-bearing and familial prosperity in traditional China. As a result, melon motifs frequently adorned everyday objects.
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- Object type
- AAT300193015
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