Japanese Serving Tray with Maple Motif

Tray in shadow with a delicate golden twig bearing a pair of fruits.

This lacquered wood serving tray with maple motif is from Japan, and dates to the 20th century. Maple leaves, or momiji, are closely linked in Japan with autumn, and viewing their red color is a long-established seasonal custom. Square tray in matte dark brown with gold-trimmed edges. A thin gilded stem winds from top to lower right, with slender leaves and two clusters of rounded fruit. The painted lines are fine and slightly worn. It is 10.5 inches wide and 10.5 deep.

Sparse and quiet, which is exactly the point.