Set the large rectangular box on the floor so that one of its long sides with flaps is facing up. Tape the flaps on this long side closed with the duct tape. This taped shut side is the top of the desk.
Flip the large rectangular box over so that the opposite side's opening is facing up. Cut the flaps off this side.
Turn the box on its side. Trace a semi-circle on the side that is now facing up using the flap-less edge as a starting and ending point. Make sure to leave several inches between the semicircle and the corners and top of the box. Cut the semi-circle out with the scissors.
Use the cut out semi circle as a stencil to trace another semi-circle on the other long side of the box. Cut out the second semicircle. Scallop the edges of both semicircles.
Create the backboard of the desk. Cut a thin slit in the top of the desk along one long side that is 1/2 inch shorter than this side. Cut a large piece of thin cardboard for the backboard that is the same length. The height of the cardboard should extend several inches above the desktop. Slide one of the long edges of the cardboard piece into the desktop slit and hot glue it in place.
Cut two pieces of thin cardboard as long as the short ends of the box and as tall as the long piece of thin cardboard plus 1/4-inch. Fold over one long edge at a 90-degree angle of each piece of cardboard so that each will face the outside edge of the desktop. Hot glue the bottom edge of the fold and position each along the short sides of the desktop. Hot glue the back edge of each side piece to the backboard.
Use the large paintbrush to paint the desk with the black gloss paint. Paint Oriental designs around the top of the desk using the fine and medium artist paintbrushes. Use the Oriental art book for ideas, which can include Eastern style dragons or Oriental characters from the Chinese, Japanese or Korean language. Use a clear sealant. Repeat applications of the sealant to achieve the deep look of Oriental lacquer.