元　張成款雕漆剔紅綬帶秋葵紋盤|Dish with long-tailed birds and hibiscuses

Art Historical Context

This exquisite carved red lacquer dish, created in mid-14th-century China during the Yuan dynasty, exemplifies the refined artistry of the period. Attributed to the master lacquer artist Zhang Cheng, the shallow circular form features intricate designs of long-tailed birds amid hibiscus blossoms. Its remarkably thin profile—measuring just one-eighth of an inch in height—highlights the technical precision required to achieve such delicate yet durable results in lacquer. The medium of carved red lacquer, known as *tihong*, involves applying dozens of layers of lacquer over a wooden core before carving through the surface to reveal the design. This labor-intensive technique flourished under the Yuan, when court patronage elevated lacquerware to new heights of sophistication. The harmonious composition of birds and flowers reflects traditional Chinese appreciation for nature’s balance, often evoking themes of prosperity and seasonal renewal. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Asian Art collection, this piece was generously gifted in 2011. It offers visitors a glimpse into the elegance and cultural symbolism prized during the Yuan era.