The Metropolitan Museum of Art Decorative Accents*Ming Birds And Flowering Branches Lacquer Tray

A Decorative Serving Tray Featuring A Met Favorite.

Elegant Birds Fly Among Flowering Branches And Swirling Clouds In This Idyllic Scene Adapted From A Ming Dynasty–Era Tapestry, Or Kesi. Crafted In 17Th-Century China And Now In The Met Collection, It Was Probably Created As Part Of A Larger Decorative Panel Featuring Hundreds Of Birds Watched Over By A Phoenix. Said To Appear In Divine Places, The Mythological Phoenix Symbolized A Righteous Ruler With Loyal Officials.