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Lobed Dish

Early 15th century (probably Yongle era, 1403-1424)

China

Carved cinnabar lacquer on wood or cloth

H. 1 5/8 x Diam. 13 5/8 in. (4.1 x 34.6 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.122

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This elegantly decorated lobed dish provides an example of carved lacquer, a technique that consists in applying multiple coats of lacquer to a substructure, creating an object that is mostly of that material. This technique seems to have originated during the Southern Song period (1126 - 1279). A six-character inscription incised on the base of the dish dates it to the Yongle era, and the style of decoration and the high quality of carving are in keeping with this date. The decoration was carved in two layers: three different geometric patterns are used to indicate the sky, water, and a paved courtyard, against which a scene of two gentlemen conversing is in relief. The front and back of each of the lobes of the rims are further decorated with carved flowers.