Dish with character for longevity (shou)

mid-16th century

Not on view

Eight auspicious emblems, including flaming pearls, a pair of horns, and a pair of books, encircle the character for longevity (shou) in the center of this dish; the same designs are found on the exterior. The dragons on the outer edge all lack one claw. Since five-clawed dragons symbolized the emperor, the claws were likely removed to make the dish suitable for presentation to a member of the nobility or a senior court official.

Artwork Details

明嘉靖剔紅壽字紋八角漆盤
Title: Dish with character for longevity (shou)
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing period (1522–66)
Date: mid-16th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved red lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Diam. 6 /4 in. (17.1 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.1.41
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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