明 黑漆嵌螺鈿八仙賀壽圖托盤|Tray with Daoist figures

Unknown

16th century · Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay; basketry sides · Asian Art

The eight figures assembled on the riverbank represent the Eight Immortals, a group of Daoist deities who originated from the legends of the Tang dynasty (618–907). They can each be identified by their personal attributes, including the flute, staff, sword, flower, and gourd. Here, they await the arrival of Shoulao, God of Longevity, who is flying above the waves on the back of a crane. Daoism gained increasing popularity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and so did its imagery. This exquisitely decorated tray is a remarkable example.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay; basketry sides

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2006