China, KANGXI period (1661/1722) - A small, finely executed multi-lobed tray in haliotis mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer, featuring a dragon on the right, chasing the sacred pearl, and a phoenix on the left, among clouds. In the center, the character xiang ("good auspices") is inscribed in a circle with a rim adorned with round mother-of-pearl inlays in various colors. The back of the dish is decorated with a marquetry depicting two peaches of longevity in a foliage frame. (some scratches) 11 x 8.5 cm Comment: This motif is highly symbolic, the phoenix often personifying the empress and the dragon the emperor himself. The sacred pearl is synonymous with knowledge and enlightenment in Buddhist iconography. It is highly probable that this object was made by a scholar or court official during the Qing period, and had a high aesthetic value among the other creations appreciated at the time (bronzes, jades, porcelain). The quality of the mother-of-pearl marquetry, notably its shimmering colors and the finesse of certain details such as the dragon scales and phoenix tail, are characteristic of a refined production destined for a literate elite.