Dish with Antiquities

mid-17th–early 18th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

中國清黑漆嵌螺鈿博古圖碟
Title: Dish with Antiquities
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: mid-17th–early 18th century
Culture: China
Medium: Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay
Dimensions: W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); L. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.1.14
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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