Dish in Form of a Leaf
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Reddish amber
Dimensions
H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); W. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); L. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
Classification
Amber
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.923
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Dish in Form of a*, crafted in the 18th century China's Qing dynasty, exemplifies the refined artistry of the era. Shaped like a natural leaf with subtle veining and an elegantly curved rim, the piece measures just 2⅞ inches high, 4¾ inches wide, and 4¼ inches long—perfectly sized for a scholar's desk or as a trinket dish. Its warm, reddish amber hue glows translucently, inviting viewers to appreciate its organic beauty up close. Amber, fossilized tree resin prized in Chinese culture for its rarity and luster, was a favored material for intricate carvings among elite artisans. ...