Tray for Sewing Tools
Unknown Artist
1800s
Medium
lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay
Dimensions
h. 9.6 cm · diam. 33.1 cm
Classification
Lacquer
Department
Korean Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund
Accession Number
1987.42
About this artwork
This mother-of-pearl lacquer tray is decorated with various scenes of animals interacting with their natural surroundings. Its flat circular base depicts a pond where a leaping carp and a small school of fish swim below the boughs of a cherry tree. The tray’s exterior wall is densely decorated with various animals paired with plants symbolizing wishful thoughts of longevity, marital happiness, and prosperity.