Diameter: 1.08 m Height: 1.72 m

The gift was presented by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality to celebrate Macao’s return to the People’s Republic of China. The gift is elaborately crafted using lacquer-carving techniques which date back to the Tang dynasty (618 – 907). Beijing lacquer wares traditionally features copper or wood bodies coated with multiple layers of lacquer, ranging from a dozen to a hundred layers, resulting in the lacquer layer 5 to 10 millimetres thick. Designs featuring landscapes, characters, flowers or birds are then carved on the lacquer layers. The creation of Beijing lacquer wares involves a complex process that consists of design, body-making, lacquering, design-drawing, carving and polishing. Each process requires elaborately skilled and delicate working techniques. Beijing lacquers are renowned for their excellent craftsmanship.

Using traditional Beijing techniques, the 20-millimetre lacquer layer and carvings in high relief on the plate enhance the three-dimensional qualities of the work. The carvings on the plate depict Beijing’s famous Summer Palace and Macao’s A-Ma Temple. The two landmarks are linked together by the Friendship Bridge, with lotuses in green water and a full moon in the colourful clouds in the background. The design symbolises the reunification of Beijing and Macao and signifies that the people of both cities are looking forward to Macao’s return.