Add to ORKGThis oval dish derived its form from the early bronze Chuëh-P'an, and was used in banquets held by the Emperor with his feudal princes. It was used for guests to wash their hands before feasts. As it was made of jade in later times, its function shifted to a wedding present. It is internally and externally carved with a series of concentric circles of chrysanthemum petals. The entire piece is supported on four semi-circular feet, carved from the actual base and body of the vessel. Two bat finials support the loose ring handles. The bat and chrysanthemum motifs depicted on this dish, serve as common emblems for happiness and joviality since the characters for bat and happiness/blessing are both pronounced fu. The dish is securely displ...