brownish black dish; top carved in the design of a lotus flower with seeds in the center, the pod outlined in red; underside carved in Guri design (scroll pattern around edge)

Lotus-Shaped Tray, 14th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Keeping with late Song and Yuan taste for floral décor, this small tray or plate is deeply carved in the form of a blossoming lotus with a clearly defined seed pod in the center. While the outer layer is entirely black, an inner layer of red has been exposed to give clear definition to the blossom. One of the most common Buddhist symbols, the lotus stands for spiritual purity, and a small tray such as this may have been used in Buddhist rituals perhaps as an offering vessel for the altar table. Beautifully executed, this unusual design is an excellent interpretation of a natural form.

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Details
Title
Lotus-Shaped Tray
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2001.74.1
Curator Approved

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brownish black dish; top carved in the design of a lotus flower with seeds in the center, the pod outlined in red; underside carved in Guri design (scroll pattern around edge)