Lobed dish with dragon, tiger, bamboo and prunus c. 1670 - 1690

This lobed dish, adorned with a dragon, tiger, bamboo, and prunus, was created by an anonymous artist. The piece invites us to consider the cultural narratives embedded within its delicate design. Dragons and tigers, powerful symbols in Asian cultures, often represent opposing forces, like the yang and yin. The fierce dragon, entwined with bamboo, faces off against the tiger amidst blossoming prunus. This vibrant scene reflects the historical context of symbolic representation, where animals and plants were used to convey complex philosophical ideas. The choice of these symbols might reference the natural world, or allude to the virtues of strength, resilience, and renewal. This dish is a reminder that the cultural meanings of symbols evolve over time, but their emotional resonance remains.