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Box

Asian Art

A distinctive art form that developed in the later Joseon was the decoration of household items with reverse-painted panels of oxhorn. The horn is cut thin, flattened, and polished to become nearly transparent. Brightly colored decorations are painted on the back of the panels, which are then adhered, paint-side down, to the body of the piece they will ornament. The paint remains protected under the layer of horn, and the polished surface has a lacquer-like sheen. This sort of exuberant, colorful ware was suitable only for women’s use.
MEDIUM Wood, brass fittings, back-painted ox horn panels
  • Place Made: Korea
  • DATES late 19th–early 20th century
    DYNASTY Joseon Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 4 15/16 x 16 9/16 x 4 7/16 in. (12.5 x 42 x 11.2 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 1995.184.1
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John P. Lyden
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Box, late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, brass fittings, back-painted ox horn panels, 4 15/16 x 16 9/16 x 4 7/16 in. (12.5 x 42 x 11.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John P. Lyden, 1995.184.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1995.184.1_front_PS11.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 1995.184.1_front_PS11.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2016
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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