Japanese Serving Tray with Fruit Motif

A single round fruit in yellow and rust, hanging from a twig on glossy dark ground.

This lacquered wood serving tray with a fruit motif from Japan is from Japan, and dates to the 20th century. Trays are used in Japan to carry food and tea, and a flat wooden tray with a raised rim is a simple and practical shape. Dark brown square tray with a yellow-lined bevel around the edge. A curving branch with pointed leaves carries a round yellow fruit and a reddish-brown blossom, all drawn in delicate inlaid lines. It is 10.5 inches wide and 10.5 deep.

Sparse composition, perfectly pitched.