Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:1368–1644 Culture:China Medium:Carved red lacquer Dimensions:L. 9 in. (22.9 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.104 The pairing of the kingfisher bird and the lotus is symbolic of summer. The motif appears in paintings as well as in three-dimensional art. Rests such as this were used while writing or painting to support the wrist and ensure the proper placement of the brush.
Period:Ming dynasty (1368–1644) Date:1368–1644 Culture:China Medium:Carved red lacquer Dimensions:L. 9 in. (22.9 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.104 The pairing of the kingfisher bird and the lotus is symbolic of summer. The motif appears in paintings as well as in three-dimensional art. Rests such as this were used while writing or painting to support the wrist and ensure the proper placement of the brush.