明晚期 剔彩花鳥紋漆盤|Square tray with birds in a garden

Unknown

16th century · Carved red and yellow lacquer · Asian Art

明晚期 剔彩花鳥紋漆盤|Square tray with birds in a garden — Unknown

This complicated decorative composition features two pairs of pheasants and sparrows and a background of fruit trees, flowers, and a stylized rock, a sign of an upscale garden. These motifs represent wishes for longevity, riches, and worldly success. The lacquer is built of red layers over yellow ones, and the artist carved to varying depths to expose the colors. An interest in bright color combinations, also found in ceramics and textiles, characterizes the art of the late Ming dynasty.

Artist
Unknown
Date
16th century
Medium
Carved red and yellow lacquer
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Credit line
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015

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