Dish with two boys
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.
Artwork Details
- 明 黑漆嵌螺鈿嬰戲圖盤
- Title: Dish with two boys
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 16th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl
- Dimensions: H. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); D 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm)
- Classification: Lacquer
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.265
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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16th century
Accession Number: 2001.584a–c
Unidentified artist
late 16th century
15th–16th century
late 15th–early 16th century
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