Description
This carved-red artifact is distinguished by its use of chrysanthemums as the central motif, unlike the Yongle era’s carved-red artifacts that primarily featured camellias or peonies. Both the inside and outside of the dish are fully carved with chrysanthemum branches and leaves. The dish itself is round with a wide mouth, shallow wall, short foot ring, red lacquer coating. The base of the dish is painted in black lacquer, plain and unpatterned. Near the foot ring on the bottom, the inscription “Made during the Yongle era of the Great Ming” is needle-engraved in regular script. The surface of the dish features a motif of chrysanthemums branching off from the main stem that starts from the lower edge, extending upwards with three branches each bearing a vivid blossom. The main stem extends further, producing more blossoms on each side and totaling five well-spaced, symmetrical chrysanthemums. Each flower’s center has uniquely carved patterns, and the leaf orientations wrap around the rim while others extend upward and to the right, creating a clear and harmoniously rhythmic composition. The petal surfaces are subtly uneven, with evenly carved vein patterns and a simple, clean cutting style. The piece is well-polished, showcasing its beautiful craftsmanship.