中國 清 黑漆嵌螺鈿博古圖碟|Dish with Antiquities

Unknown

mid-17th–early 18th century · Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay · Asian Art

The phrase inlaid into the bottom of this small dish reads “for the delectation of the jade hall” (yuntang jiawan), indicating that it was a private commission. This inscription alludes to the collection of the infamous Ming-dynasty Prime Minister Yan Song (1480–1566). Because of his greed and lack of scruples, Yan was able to amass an astonishing collection of antiquities. In an ironic transformation, he instead became known as an icon of good taste in later ages.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th–early 18th century

Medium

Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015