Japanese Serving Tray with Walnut Motif

Low golden branch on a dark tray, holding a trio of round fruits.

This lacquered wood serving tray with walnut motif is from Japan, and dates to the 20th century. Japanese craftspeople have long produced lacquered wooden wares in regional workshops, with local styles distinguished by their wood, finish and decoration. Square, dark brown tray with a thin golden edge. A horizontal twig crosses the lower half, with pointed leaves and a few round pale-gold fruits lined up close to each other. The upper half of the surface stays empty. It is 10.5 inches wide and 10.5 deep.

Plenty of black space, and the fruit knows it.