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Overview
A vintage rectangular black lacquer tray decorated with a busy Japanese riverside scene in gold, red and cream. A long arched bridge with a lattice railing crosses the water, carrying people with parasols, travelers in straw hats and two rickshaws pulled by runners. Below it, a dragon-headed boat carries a group of passengers in kimono under a red parasol, with an oarsman at the stern. Behind the bridge are a tall pavilion with a flag, a long building hung with paper lanterns, tiled-roof houses, pine trees, street lamps and a kite flying overhead. A thin gold line runs around the raised rim, and the reverse is plain black. It comes with its wooden display stand, so it is ready to show on a sideboard, mantel, bookshelf or in a display cabinet.
Background
Lacquered trays with Japanese scenes were popular decorative pieces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, made both in Japan and in Europe for Western buyers. The rickshaws, street lamps and a man in Western dress on the bridge place the scene in Meiji-era Japan (after 1868), though the tray itself is undated. It came from an estate. It is unmarked, and its age, maker and place of manufacture are unknown. It is light for its size, consistent with a papier-mâché or thin wood body.
Condition
Good vintage condition with light wear. The lacquer has fine crazing across the face, and there is a small area of paint loss to the left of the boat and minor rubs to the gold in places. The reverse has light scratches and scuffs. No breaks or repairs are known. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The tray measures about 16 x 12.2 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D) and weighs about 1 lb 6.7 oz on its own. The wooden display stand is included.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
