Japanese Serving Tray with Berry Motif

Square tray in dark tones with a trailing vine, golden leaves and a small round fruit.

This lacquered wood serving tray with berry motif is from Japan, and dates to the 20th century. Japanese lacquer is made from the refined sap of the urushi tree, applied in thin layers that harden into a smooth, durable and water-resistant surface. Shallow square tray in deep black-brown with a slim golden edge. A gilded vine curls from the upper left, bearing lobed leaves and a plump gourd-like fruit. Fine tendrils trace the open dark ground. It is 10.5 inches wide and 10.5 deep.

A small garden, planted on a very dark field.