panel BM-1974-0226.19

Period:Ming dynasty Production date:1426-1435
Materials:lacquer
Technique:carved, lacquered,
Subjects:bird dragon flaming jewel
Dimensions:Height: 44.20 centimetres Width: 36.10 centimetres

Description:
Rectangular panel (from a piece of furniture) of red lacquer carved on a yellow ground. In the centre is an ogival panel enclosing two five-clawed dragons with a flaming pearl and peony scrolls. In the corners are male and female phoenixes amongst the flowers of the four seasons.
IMG


Comments:Rawson 1992:Although it was certainly known much earlier, pictorial carved lacquer was perfected in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), with designs such as peonies, flowers of the seasons, landscapes, birds and dragons being produced with great skill and craftmanship. These beautiful, perfectly executed and probably extremely expensive pieces were often made to imperial order, and some were exported to Japan as diplomatic gifts in the early fifteenth century. One claw on each foot of the dragons of this piece has been removed, possibly to disguise imperial provenance.