Tray with Design of Cranes and Chrysanthemums, first half of the 14^th century
Chinese, Yuan dynasty
Carved black lacquer
Founders Society Purchase, Stoddard Fund for Asian Art, and funds from the Gerald R. Chamberlin Foundation, Inc.
80.25

A distinct group of extraordinarily fine carved lacquers known as "two bird" dishes were produced in China during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). Based upon the method of carving and construction, this example is believed to date from the first half of the 14^th century. During this time black lacquer was deeply carved to expose a background of ocher lacquer below a thin layer of red lacquer. This tray was originally owned by Buddhist monks and later used by tea ceremony enthusiasts in Japan.