The Korea gallery on the first floor of ROM has a beautiful picnic food box. It is over 32cm high, 21cm wide and 21cm deep. Crafted in the late 1800s or early 1900s, its glossy black lacquer surface is inlaid with mother-of-pearl decorations.
Its five square stacking trays have a lid on top. There is a small round knob made of nickel in the center of the lid, and turning the knob locks the lid in place. It's all held together on a dark red base with a dark red handle that curves up around all of the boxes.
The scene on the front of the box is full of activities. Fish and shrimp swim in harmony. Bamboos and chrysanthemums, plum blossoms and orchids seem to be swaying in the breeze. The side of the box is featured with Chinese characters representing longevity and happiness.
In Korea, picnic boxes were first used by the royal family in the 1600s and later became popular among people from all walks of life. Families use them to carry food outdoors and on sightseeing trips.