Rectangular tray
Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1450-1600
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644)
MaterialsLacquer with mother-of-pearl
DimensionsH. 3/4 in x W. 4 5/16 in x L. 15 3/4 in, H. 2 cm x W. 11 cm x L. 40 cm
Credit LineGift of Alexander D. and Cornelia Calhoun
Object numberB79M7
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on viewThe design of this tray—its vertical orientation, central landscape, and border recalling textiles—suggests it was inspired by bird-and-flower paintings. The scene is naturalistic and precisely descriptive, showing fine craftsmanship with mother-of-pearl. A pair of birds faces each other on a branch of flowers as if having an intimate conversation.
approx. 1600-1700
approx. 1300-1400
1400 - 1600
approx. 1450-1600
1250 - 1350
approx. 1500-1700
1271-1368 or later
approx. 1500-1600
approx. 1400-1600