清中期 銅胎畫琺瑯花鳥圖盤|Lobed tray with rock, flowers, and butterflies

Art Historical Context

This exquisite lobed tray, crafted in painted enamel on a copper alloy base during China's Qing dynasty (1644–1911) in the 19th century captures the refined artistry of mid-Qing decorative objects. Measuring just 7½ by 5¾ inches (19.1 by 14.6 cm), its delicate, scalloped form evokes the elegance of imperial workshops, where such trays served practical yet ornamental purposes—holding incense, sweets, or trinkets for scholarly or courtly pursuits. The vibrant scene of rocks, flowers, and butterflies exemplifies the painted enamel technique (known as *huayang cai* or painted enamels), where fine...