Rectangular tray with flowering plums and birds

14th century

Not on view

The wonderful flowering plum tree and two plump birds that fill the center of this tray illustrate the skillful manipulation of shapes and colors of the inlaid motherof-pearl to create a powerful, dramatic scene. Long narrow pieces of iridescent shell define the rock terrain, while irregular pieces form the clump of rocks in front of the trunk of the flowering plum. Fragments of mother-of-pearl create the craggy trunk of the ancient tree, which bears buds in several stages of flowering.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

元末明初黑漆嵌螺鈿梅鵲紋長方盤
Title: Rectangular tray with flowering plums and birds
Period: Yuan (1271–1368)–Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Date: 14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay
Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm); L. 24 3/8 in. (61.9 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.1.56
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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7347. Tray with Flowering Plum and Birds

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