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.
Artwork Details
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明 黑漆嵌螺鈿嬰戲圖盤
Title:Dish with two boys
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
[ J. J. Lally & Co. , New York, until 2005; sold to MMA]
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Mother-of-Pearl: A Tradition in Asian Lacquer," December 2, 2006–April 1, 2007.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Met Salutes Brooke Astor," September 28–September 30, 2007.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Chinese Lacquer: An Introduction," December 4, 2007–May 11, 2008.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Red and Black: Chinese Lacquer, 13th–16th Century," September 7, 2011–June 10, 2012.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Introduction to Chinese Lacquer," December 11, 2013–July 6, 2014.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Sumptuous: East Asian Lacquer, 14th–20th Century," October 25, 2014–August 9, 2015.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Children to Immortals: Figural Representations in Chinese Art," August 9, 2018–January 3, 2021.
Leidy, Denise Patry. Mother-of Pearl: A Tradition in Asian Lacquer. Exh. cat. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006, p. 56, cat. no. 9.
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