Small Circular Box, 14th century, 1 1/2 x 4 3/8 x 4 3/8 in. (3.8 x 11.1 x 11.1 cm), Carved black lacquer with red and yellow layers (tixi), China, 14th century, The boldly carved, triple-pommel scroll forming the lid of this vessel and its dramatically layered polychrome create a striking effect in a relatively small object. The style of cutting is in keeping with early tixi lacquer, evidenced by deep, wide-angle v-shaped grooves, alternating layers of black, red, and yellow, and a high polish. Lacquer of this type is rare and mostly confined to small objects datable between late Sung and early Ming.