Title: A Liao Dynasty Gilt Silver Dish

Speaker: K.Y. Ng

Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2014

Time: 7pm

Language: Cantonese

Register at: visitors@liangyimuseum.com

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K. Y. Ng, vice president of the Antique Authentication Committee and vice chairman of the Hong Kong Art Craft Merchants Association, has in his possession a gilt silver dish. Although some have argued that it is from the Ming dynasty, Mr. Ng believes and feels confident that he can prove that it dates to the Liao dynasty (907-1125). If he is correct, what makes this dish of particular interest is the chair in which official or dignitary is seated.  It is of a form called a sichuton guanmaoyi, or "Yoke-back Hat Armchair". This is a form of chair which became popular in the Ming period, especially when produced in exotic and expensive hardwoods such as zitan and huanghuali. Datable to the Liao period, this dish is possibly the earliest image known of that form.