清乾隆 剔彩萬歲長春漆盤|Tray with Chinese characters, bats, and fruits

Unknown

1736–1795 · Carved red, green and black lacquer · Asian Art

The dense, multilayered surface of this dish is typical of Qianlong-period carved lacquer. At center is the character for longevity (shou) surrounded by first a circle of bats and then a lobed cartouche containing the phrase “ten thousand longevities and eternal spring” (wan sui chang chun). The outer border of fruits and flowers also refers to long life. The dish was likely presented as a birthday present or used to proffer and display a gift.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1736–1795

Medium

Carved red, green and black lacquer

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015