Minneapolis Institute of Art

Lotus-Shaped Tray

China

Date

14th century

Medium

Carved black and red lacquer on wood core

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

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. China, Asia

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