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Tray with women and boys on a garden terrace

14th century
Not on view
Scenes of harmonious families featuring women and frolicking children—expressions of the hope for and joy of having offspring—began to appear in Chinese decorative art in the late Song dynasty (960–1279). This massive platter’s relief carving is typical of high Yuan-dynasty style. Three different geometric patterns—respectively delineating sky, water, and land—are testament to the artist’s sophisticated skill. The artist had a sense of humor, too—a boy plays hide-and-seek behind the large garden rock, but shows only his forehead.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 元 剔紅仕女嬰戲圖漆盤
  • Title: Tray with women and boys on a garden terrace
  • Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
  • Date: 14th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Carved red lacquer
  • Dimensions: H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Diam. 21 7/8 in. (55.6 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.1.31
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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