Museum Updates
Discovering a vivid landscape picture on ancient lacquered wine container
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
China Bound
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This wine container from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) is black-lacquered on the four outer walls and inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl, forming a continuous scene of landscapes and figures.
Look closely: bamboo and rocks rest along the shore, willows cast soft shadows, ripples dance on the water, and a few scholars pause in conversation. From rocks in the lake to delicate hair buns, every detail is rendered in shell of different colors, creating a vivid picture that glows with light. Collection: Anhui Museum.
