Bowl in the shape of a lotus leaf

Known as “chicken fat,” the translucent yellow color of this bowl is rare. It is shaped like a lotus and embellished with carved decoration that provides a continuous scene of lotus blossoms, pods, and leaves. A lotus is another example of the word play common in Chinese art: a bunch of lotuses is a rebus for firm roots and luxuriant branches (bengu zhirong), an allusion to good wishes for a flourishing business.

Credit: Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, in honor of James C. Y. Watt, 2014