Lobed cinnabar lacquer tray
Jiajing mark and period, 1522 – 1566
Diameter: 16.5 cm | 6 1/2 in

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This hexagonal foliated tray is supported on a similarly shaped foot carved with a key fret border. Two confronting five-clawed dragons are carved into the circular flat base of the interior – either side of rockwork and crashing waves – their bodies and tails trailing upwards through clouds to encircle a central stylized ‘shou’ character (symbolizing longevity). The curved sides are divided into six sections, each occupying a lobe, and decorated with confronting phoenix and confronting cranes – divided by lingzhi, peony and plum blossom panels – all against an ochre ground; the reverse is similarly decorated. The base is lacquered dark brown and has a fine crackleur – its centre incised and gilt with a vertical six-character reign mark: Da Ming Jiajing nian zhi (made in the Jiajing reign of the Great Ming).

Provenance: Galerie Souquet, Paris, 10th October 1947.

Exhibited: Oude Kunst uit Leuvens Privebezit, 18th July – 18th October 1964 at the Musée Municipal de Louvain, Belgium – catalogue no. P/7.