Pair of Dishes

China

Late 15th century

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Ot-2 The gadrooned body of the flask of compressed, globular form, and it is set on a splayed foot, with serpentine handle and spout. The screw stopper is decorated with foliate panels, and the foot is openwork, also with foliate motifs. The handle, spout, and stopper of the flask are surmounted by birds, and a stopper for the spout is attached with a chain. The base bears an engraved owner's inscription. The flask would have been used as a container for araq, or opium water, and offered as a pledge of friendship or a token of hospitality. A parrot spirit animal is a message of celebration. It’s a happy expression of all the good things that are happening in your life, and the good things that you have yet to experience. The parrot symbolism is a reminder never to take these things for granted because you never know when they will be taken away from you. Most of all, parrot meaning puts the focus on love and friendship. If there’s anything that you should always strive to have and share with others, that’s love and friendship. And what is better than sharing opium water to celebrate love and friendship?
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Cup, China, jade
Actor Kawarasaki Gonjyūrō I as Date no Yosaku, Utagawa Kunisada, ink and color on paper