南宋　黑漆素面葵口盤|Dish with lobed rim

Art Historical Context

This elegant black lacquer dish with a lobed rim, crafted in the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), exemplifies the refined artistry of 13th-century China. just 1 1/2 inches high and 1/8 inches in diameter, its subtle chrysanthemum-petal edge (葵口) and smooth, undecorated black surface (素面) evoke the period's taste for understated luxury. Produced during a time when the Song court had relocated south after northern invasions, such pieces were favored by scholars and elites for serving delicate foods like sweets or fruits at intimate gatherings. Lacquerware reached new heights in the Song era, with artisans applying countless thin layers of sap from the lacquer tree, polished to a mirror-like sheen. The addition of gilding enhances its subtle glow, highlighting the medium's durability and resistance to heat—ideal for daily elite use. This technique, perfected over centuries, symbolized technical mastery and cultural sophistication, bridging utility and aesthetics. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Florence and Herbert Irving in 2015, this dish offers a glimpse into Southern Song life's poetic elegance, where simplicity spoke volumes amid political upheaval. Visitors, imagine its glossy surface reflecting candlelight at a moonlit banquet!