- Provenance
- Provenance research underway.
- Description
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A pair of phoenixes with decorative tails in two styles fills the center of the carved red lacquer tray or dish. The red lacquer contrasts with a mustard-colored lacquer used close to the base of the carving. Flowers of the four seasons surround the phoenixes, which are supernatural birds that serve as emblems of peace, prosperity, and a just government. The flowers are comprised of camellia, an unidentified five-petaled flower that may be quince (these two represent winter and early spring); the peony for late spring, the lotus for summer; and the chrysanthemum for autumn. The flowers of the seasons do not follow a logical calendrical cycle since the summer lotus and winter camellia directly abutt each other, but seasonal symbolism may be intended.
- Label
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A pair of phoenixes and the flowers of the four seasons are carved on this tray, or dish. The phoenix, a beautiful supernatural bird, is an emblem of peace, prosperity, and just government.
- Published References
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- Yuka Kadoi. Islamic Chinoiserie: The Art of Mongol Iran. Edinburgh Studies in Islamic Art Edinburgh. p. 55, fig. 2.12.
- Lee Yu-kuan. Oriental Lacquer Art., 1st ed. New York. p. 180.
- et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 168, p. 257.
- Linda Komaroff, Stephano Carboni. The Legacy of Genghis Khan: Courtly Art and Culture in Western Asia, 1256-1353. Exh. cat. New York and New Haven. cat. 203, p. 287, fig. 209.
- Collection Area(s)
- Chinese Art
- Web Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- SI Usage Statement
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Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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CC0 - Creative Commons (CC0 1.0)
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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International Image Interoperability Framework
FS-7942_27