Jingdezhen kilns
Covered Seal Paste Box Decorated with a River Scene
1667-1699
Physical Qualities
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt decoration, 3.0 H x 6.8 Diam. cm. (1 3/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Cone Collection, formed by Dr. Claribel Cone and Miss Etta Cone of Baltimore, Maryland
Object Number
1950.1985.3
A seal bearing an artist’s name or pseudonym may be affixed to a painting or calligraphy. Traditionally, seals were also used to signify ownership of an artwork, approval of a document, or endorsement of the subject matter. Artists and scholars, as well as professional specialists, carved seals using stones selected for their appearance and tactile quality. The upper portion was used for carved decoration, while the name was placed on the flat bottom surface. To make a mark, the seal was pressed into a sticky paste, which was kept in boxes such as this one.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by bequest, 1949; Etta Cone, Baltimore; Claribel or Etta Cone; probably purchased in China or Japan in 1907 on Cone Family trip
