Follow the Stems on a Korean Mother-of-Pearl Tray
Try following one curving stem before naming every flower on a Korean mother-of-pearl tray. The Met’s record for an early Joseon ogival tray offers a useful detail: its stems use pearl shell rather than the metal wire found in earlier examples. Contents 1. Start with this specific object 2. Trace a line before interpreting it 3. Keep the curator’s detail in its scope 4. Questions while looking 1. Start with this specific object The Met identifies the work as an “Ogival tray decorated with floral scroll,” made in Korea in the 15th–16th century. Its medium is lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl; the object number is 2015.500.3.9. The record currently says “Not on view.” That last field matters when planning a museum visit. An online collection record lets you study an object without promising it will be waiting in a particular gallery. Check current display information separately before traveling. 2. Trace a line before interpreting it Looking step Question to ask Note to make Whole shap...