Qing Dynasty
diameter of face 13.3cm, diameter of bottom 8.5cm, height 1.2cm
Lacquerware painted with gold often has black lacquer as the background and use gold to paint on the surface, which produces a magnificent visual effect. The pure gold color, the complex but well-arranged design makes the plate very unique. The rim of it is decorated with posy pattern, which is filled out with netlike pattern in fine lines. On the reserved panels of the plate wall are four pictures of wild ducks. Each picture depicts two wild ducks, either standing on the shore, flying in the air, or foraging in the water, accompanied by lotus, peach blossom, water grass and other plants, showing much rustic charm. At the center of the plate is a picture of the God of Happiness, the God of Official Position and the God of Longevity. With a bright moon in the sky, mountains among the clouds, a corner of a pavilion appears with an old pine tree inclined from behind. In front of the pavilion, there are cranes and deer strolling by, and the God of longevity comes with a man assisting him with a hand. The God of official positions, wearing official clothes and holding his ritual baton, leans back and speaks to the God of longevity. One of them leans forward while the other leans back, and the waiter standing by smiles at them. The God of happiness is not seen, but a bat flying in the air indicates that he is coming. With the accurately drawn figures, the smooth lines, the expressive faces, the whole scene is so vivid, as if alive. The plate looks magnificent and elegant, with the auspicious but unconventional pattern, and the painting is exquisite and delicate, which requires very profound skills.