Deep tray

Object Details

• Label

  This delicate design was created using thin sheets of iridescent mother-of-pearl, crushed shells, and gold and silver foil. Each mother-of-pearl element was cut by hand from colored layers of shell, polished, and inlaid into the design like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. Shell is set into the lacquer when it is still damp and adhesive. Clear lacquer is also brushed over the top to act as glue. Children were a popular subject in Chinese art, symbolizing a wish for many sons. Here, children play games, fly kites, and perform on the zither. By assuming an educated persona, the musical child represents the hope that the sons will become scholars at the Chinese court.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  The Arts of China (November 18, 1990 to September 7, 2014)

  Pavilions and Immortal Mountains: Chinese Decorative Art and Paintings (September 28, 1987 to February 28, 1988)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Container

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1600s, 1790s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Musical instruments, Art, Playing, Chinese Art, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), Lacquer, Game playing

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Containers