Minneapolis Institute of Art

Covered Cosmetic Box

China

Date

11th–early 12th century

Medium

Qingbai ware Porcelain with incised décor under a pale blue glaze with iron brown details

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Ceramic cosmetic boxes were popular during Song (960-1279), and numerous examples have survived in Qingbai as well as a variety of celadon glazes. This one is decorated on its lid with an incised lotus blossom. The interior reveals three small containers in the form of open flowers linked by appliqué tendrils. There is a faint hint of iron brown accenting each of the containers. While the plasticity of Jingdezhen porcelain allowed Qingbai potters to create rather complex forms, their ceramics were always utilitarian in purpose, as is the case with this container for powdered cosmetics. China, Asia

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