Japanese Serving Tray with Nut Motif

Black tray with a curling vine and bunches of golden berries.

This lacquered wood serving tray with nut motif is from Japan, and dates to the 20th century. A serving tray is a flat, shallow carrier with a raised edge, a form made in lacquered wood in Japan for meals and tea gatherings. Dark square tray with a thin gold rim. A loose vine climbs the left side, with curled tendrils, serrated leaves and two bunches of textured, granular fruit in bright gold. The surface is dark brown with faint wear. It is 10.5 inches wide and 10.5 deep.

A modest harvest, picked out in bright gold.