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Round tray with design of peacocks and peonies
Round tray with design of peacocks and peonies

Round tray with design of peacocks and peonies

Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1300-1400
DynastyYuan dynasty (1271-1368)
MaterialsCarved lacquer on wood; Red
DimensionsH. 1 1/4 in x Diam. 11 1/2 in
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB65M1
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information
The motif carved on this tray depicts a pair of peacocks flying through peony blossoms. The peacock is a bird representing intelligence and high rank in Chinese mythology. The peony, an emblem of wealth and nobility, is called the queen of flowers. The two joined in combination is probably derived from much earlier Tang-period textiles, reflecting a nostalgia for the golden age of the Tang empire (618–907).