Artwork preview

Round tray with decoration of dragons and clouds

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Round tray with decoration of dragons and clouds by artist. Black tray with rounded rim. The tray has a design of two dragons and clouds in the center, made of iridescent material that reflects shades of green, blue, and purple. The rim of the tray has a pattern of clouds and waves. The background of the image is a gradient of dark gray to light gray. The tray appears to be made of a shiny material, possibly metal or ceramic. The dragons are depicted in a curved, winding shape, with their bodies and tails extending outwards from the center of the tray. The clouds are stylized and wispy, with curved lines and soft edges. The overall design is symmetrical, with the dragons and clouds mirrored on either side of the center of the tray.

Artwork Details

Date
17th–18th century
Medium
Mother-of-pearl inlay on black lacquer
Culture
Japan (Ryūkyū Islands)
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette