27.5 cm (width) × approx. 11.2 cm (total height)
The “‘Myriad Cycles’ Sandalwood Curio Box,” housed in the National Palace Museum, is an exquisite masterpiece that originally belonged to Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1735–1796). It includes jade carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, a jade box, and the “Album of ‘Fuchen Jingwei’” with a preface by Yongyan (later Emperor Jiaqing). This remarkable work seamlessly combines various art forms, making it a true gem of Qing dynasty court artistry.
The box is dodecagonal in shape, with the lid engraved with the characters “myriad cycle,” encircled by the 12 Earthly Branches and 100 unique renderings of the character “shou” (longevity), symbolizing blessings of longevity and prosperity. The side of the lid features an imperial poem composed by Emperor Qianlong, titled “Imitating the Twelve Forms to Relieve Anxiety over the Jinchuan Campaign.” This poem recounts the events of the Jinchuan military campaign in Sichuan, reflecting the emperor’s deep concerns and inner turmoil during the conflict.
Inside the box are jade carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, lifelike and expressive. Arranged in a clockwise circle, they represent the 12 Earthly Branches, aligning with inscriptions (e.g., “myriad cycles”) and the imperial poem on the outer box. At the center of the circle lies a square jade box containing the “Album of ‘Fuchen Jingwei.’” The jade box is adorned with a “double dragon supporting the ‘≡’ symbol” motif and the “twelve imperial symbols,” both designed by Emperor Qianlong. The album itself bears a preface by Yongyan (later Emperor Jiaqing, who reigned from 1796 to 1820), exemplifying the Qing royal tradition of artistic participation and symbolizing the continuity of imperial authority.
This multi-treasure box not only highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the Qing court but also embodies the imperial family’s dedication to preserving and innovating traditional culture. It stands as a comprehensive masterpiece, uniting the arts of carving, jade craftsmanship, calligraphy, and poetry.