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Lobed Dish

North China

Silver-gilt with embossing

H. 3/4 x Diam. 4 7/8 across points in. (1.9 x 12.4 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.116

The decoration of this small, lobed, silver-gilt dish illustrates the mixture of Tang-dynasty traditions and other traditions often found in Liao-period art. The scrolling vines, some of which are filled with birds, on the rim and upper part of the interior of the dish are among the motifs popular in Tang metalwork. The scene at the base of the dish, though, is very unusual: three figures, two walking and one mounted, are shown hunting among a series of rolling hills. Both of the standing figures hold weapons, and they appear to be fighting with two very large snakes, giving the scene a strong narrative quality, although no specific story has yet been identified.