Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Xuande period (1425–36) Date:1425–1436 Culture:China Medium:Carved red and green lacquer Dimensions:H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm); L. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.33 Lotus-shaped dishes like this one were produced primarily during the short reign of the Xuande emperor. While two of the figures wear scholars’ clothing, the short cape of leaves adorning the shoulders of the man seated at center right identifies him as a Daoist immortal. He and one scholar play a chess-like game (weiqi) by moonlight—a common motif in Chinese art and literature.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Xuande period (1425–36) Date:1425–1436 Culture:China Medium:Carved red and green lacquer Dimensions:H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm); L. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.33 Lotus-shaped dishes like this one were produced primarily during the short reign of the Xuande emperor. While two of the figures wear scholars’ clothing, the short cape of leaves adorning the shoulders of the man seated at center right identifies him as a Daoist immortal. He and one scholar play a chess-like game (weiqi) by moonlight—a common motif in Chinese art and literature.