The pair of sutra cover is a good example of the lacquer ware decorated in the qiangjin technique. It was constructed over cores of carved and fitted blocks of white sandalwood, which was brought to China from South India. It is coated with red cinnabar lacquer and decorated with incised, gold-filled qiangjin designs covering the face and sides. The centre of the face is decorated with four of the eight auspicious symbols, surrounding a ritual vase, all amidst a floral scroll, with one end of each cover decorated with the image of a monster. The qiangjin technique originated in the Southern Song period (1127-1279), and became prevalent in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). For a long time, it was used exclusively to decorate the imperial objects.
