Japan, lacquer tray with flower decoration, late Meiji period.
This Japanese maki-e lacquer tray from the Meiji period (1868-1912), masterfully and exquisitely crafted, features a lush decoration of delicately executed plants in gold lacquer on a glossy black background.
Its rectangular shape with subtly beveled angles rests on four curved legs emphasizing the finesse of the whole.
The abundant decoration covering the top, the lower edge of the tray and the feet, brings together with precision and realism wisteria, chrysanthemums, campanulas, vine foliage and ferns in a graceful and naturalistic tangle.
The shades of gold, punctuated with subtle touches of silver, highlight each petal and leaf with finesse, demonstrating great expertise both in the development of the motif and in its production.
In Japan, this type of tray was traditionally used to present a perfume burner accompanied by its incense kit or a delicate ikebana floral arrangement during refined ceremonies.
In the West, it is an ideal support for displaying a collection of precious objects such as inr? or netsuke, or for an elegant breakfast service.
Dimensions: 54.6 x 38.8 cm, height 14.4 cm.