Tray with Chinese characters, bats, and fruits
Not on view
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.
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