明嘉靖 剔紅壽字紋八角漆盤|Dish with character for longevity (shou)

Unknown

mid-16th century · Carved red lacquer · Asian Art

Eight auspicious emblems, including flaming pearls, a pair of horns, and a pair of books, encircle the character for longevity (shou) in the center of this dish; the same designs are found on the exterior. The dragons on the outer edge all lack one claw. Since five-clawed dragons symbolized the emperor, the claws were likely removed to make the dish suitable for presentation to a member of the nobility or a senior court official.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-16th century

Medium

Carved red lacquer

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015