Department: Decorative Art

This colourful piece contains flowers and fruits made of semi-precious stones in an ornate dish. It is an indoor version of an outdoor bonsai tree. In China, they are known as 'Landscape in a basin'. Such arrangements were indicators of wealth, and could be used throughout the winter to brighten up a room. The basin contains nandina or heaven’s bamboo which has a symbolic meaning of happiness and goodness owing to its lucky red colour and profuse berries. It is used in Chinese medicine and is thought to have special powers. Beneath is plum blossom, which conveys happiness and survival of winter.