Square tray

This square dish depicts a hollyhock flower in full bloom, with a bud on the cusp of blossoming. Flowers are a popular theme in Song painting and poetry, conveying sentiments of nature and season. This work suggests a typical Southern Song style, with a muted blackish-brown background and single subject matter. The leaves vary subtly in shape and color, with meticulous detail upon closer inspection. There are elegant floral motifs painted in varied colors on the edge of the black lacquer plate. They not only frame the central hollyhock flower but also bring a touch of charm or quirkiness to the otherwise modest piece.