Unknown century
China
Object qualities
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Objecttableware: Tray
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumPolychrome lacquer with filled-in and engraved gold decoration
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Size1 3/4 Г— 8 11/16 Г— 12 3/16 in. (4.4 Г— 22 Г— 31 cm)
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Geography details
China -
Country today
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DateUnknown century
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CultureChina
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PeriodQing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong period (1736-95)
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The two fish on this tray are suspended from a pendant in the shape of an ancient stone chime, which represents wishes for happiness and abundance (yuqing). The twin fish is also one of the eight Buddhist treasures—the other seven are arranged in the foreground: a wheel, conch shell, umbrella, parasol, flower, jar, and double knot. Shown with bats and clouds, these symbols convey auspicious wishes beyond religious meaning.