Petite Chinese Gilt Offering Plate, c. 1850

This colorful porcelain bowl dates to the mid-19th century and was originally used as a serving dish for ritual offerings, placed before a home altar and piled high with fruit, baked goods, and other foods. The dish has a shallow cartouche-shaped body and a short footed base decorated with crashing waves. Decorated in the famille rose style, the dish is painted with overglaze enamels with a scene of three mythical figures surrounded by cloud-like ribbons. The scene is bordered by butterflies and flowers symbolizing the four seasons - peonies for spring, lotus for summer, chrysanthemums for autumn, and plum blossoms for winter. The exterior is painted with ripe peaches, symbols of longevity, and bats carrying interlocking golden coins...

Simple lines, a modest form, and a layer of hand-brushed lacquer give this petite Qing-dynasty tray a provincial charm that recalls the warmth of home. Rich with character, the squar...

This pair of Lacquered Offering Vessels are know in Myanmar as "Hsun Ok". These vessels were once used to carry food and offerings to and from the monastery. T...

A large circular plate with a short stem base in Vermillion lacquer color from Late Meiji Period circa end of 19th century to early 20th century. ...