Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:16th century Culture:China Medium:Black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl Dimensions:H. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); D 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2005 Accession Number:2005.265 Scenes of boys at play, which originated in the Song period (960–1279), are common in Chinese decorative arts. They express the wish for offspring and the joy of having them. One of the two lively fellows at the center of this small plate is riding a hobbyhorse, a toy that may have originated in China; the other plays a drum. Sprigs of bamboo, plum, orchid, and chrysanthemum decorate the borders.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:16th century Culture:China Medium:Black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl Dimensions:H. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); D 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2005 Accession Number:2005.265 Scenes of boys at play, which originated in the Song period (960–1279), are common in Chinese decorative arts. They express the wish for offspring and the joy of having them. One of the two lively fellows at the center of this small plate is riding a hobbyhorse, a toy that may have originated in China; the other plays a drum. Sprigs of bamboo, plum, orchid, and chrysanthemum decorate the borders.