Shallow dish with incised floral medallions and molded lotus petals, Annam; Kiln Unknown, Vietnam, 16th century, 13/16 in. x 4 1/8 in. x 4 1/8 in. ( 2 cm x 10.4 cm x 10.4 cm ). Gift of Helmut Stern, 1991/1.98, University of Michigan Museum of Art. ©2018-2021 Regents of the University of Michigan

The lotus petals that adorn the rim of this broad, flat plate are symbolic in Buddhism of purity, suggesting that the plate may have been used in Buddhist rituals. The dominant religion in Vietnam for much of its history has been Theravada Buddhism.

A nearly flat, large, shallow stoneware dish, the interior with a delicately incised floral scroll pattern, and the upturmed rim adorned with robustly modelled lotus petals, all on a broad and secure foot.