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LACQUERED AND GILT MANUSCRIPT COVER

This large cover is entirely coated with red lacquer decorated with very fine gold motifs. The wide outer border is slightly convex and painted with peony designs upon a ground of scrolling. The centre panel is even more richly decorated: besides the peonies there are flowers with fruits (centre) and two phoenixes with outstretched wings. The ornamental motifs, the colour combination and the painting technique betray a Chinese inspiration.