明 黑漆嵌螺鈿嬰戲圖盤|Dish with two boys

Unknown

16th century · Black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl · Asian Art

Scenes of boys at play, which originated in the Song period (960–1279), are common in Chinese decorative arts. They express the wish for offspring and the joy of having them. One of the two lively fellows at the center of this small plate is riding a hobbyhorse, a toy that may have originated in China; the other plays a drum. Sprigs of bamboo, plum, orchid, and chrysanthemum decorate the borders.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2005