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

Object Information
  • 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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