This lacquer box was produced in Palembang which is known for its lacquerwork. Chinese lacquer-makers were encouraged by the royal court to settle in Palembang where they became renowned. Lacquerware forms and designs may have been inspired by Chinese porcelain and silverwork. This art form thrived as one of the court arts alongside ivory-carving, textiles and weapon-forging. Lacquerware was part of the lively trade in exotic local products at this time which included pepper, rattan, beeswax, ivory, gold dust and bird’s nest.
