Rectangular box in imitation of a pack of books
Not on view
The corner of this lid is inlaid with four characters: huang shi yi bian, meaning “inherited book from Yellowstone.” This inscription refers to a legend that Zhang Liang (ca. 250–186 B.C.), a founding strategist of the Han dynasty, had been given a secret book of strategy from the hermit Mr. Yellowstone. Its inclusion indicates that this box was probably used by the literati to present books or stationery. The chi dragon glaring at and grabbing the title appears to be a loyal guardian of the box’s content.
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