Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing period (1522–66) Culture:China 明嘉靖 Medium:Carved red lacquer Dimensions:H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Diam. 10 in. (25.4 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.71a, b The five-clawed dragon in the center of this lid holds up the character sheng, which means “divine (or imperial) majesty.” The rocks and waves below the dragon symbolize the mountain and the sea. Taken together, these motifs illustrate the imperial authority ruling over the universe. Similarly styled dragons are seen on works in different materials, such as textile medallions, from the same period.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing period (1522–66) Culture:China 明嘉靖 Medium:Carved red lacquer Dimensions:H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Diam. 10 in. (25.4 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.71a, b The five-clawed dragon in the center of this lid holds up the character sheng, which means “divine (or imperial) majesty.” The rocks and waves below the dragon symbolize the mountain and the sea. Taken together, these motifs illustrate the imperial authority ruling over the universe. Similarly styled dragons are seen on works in different materials, such as textile medallions, from the same period.