Cosmetic Box

Cosmetic Box

19th century
Country
Korea
Object
chest, comb
Medium
lacquer, mother-of-pearl, brass
Accession Number
1971.17
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Cosmetic Box. 19th century. lacquer, mother-of-pearl, brass. Museum Purchase. 1971.17.
Dimensions
height: 9.875 in, 25.0825 cm; width: 8.625 in, 21.9075 cm; depth: 12.5 in, 31.7500 cm
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
Chest Korea 1800s, Joseon dynasty Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl and brass Museum purchase 1971.17 This chest for hair ornaments and grooming accessories is called chagae pitchop in Korean, which means “comb chest.” The lid has a brass prop that is engraved with Buddhist incantation “Hail the jewel in the lotus!” in Sanskrit characters. Widely used in all sects of Korean Buddhism, the phrase was recited in veneration of Kwanum, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, as a prayer for good fortune.
Known Provenance
At least April 1971, Vance Kirkland [b. 1904, d. 1981], Denver CO; 1971, DAM collection, museum purchase.

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