SCROLL OPENWORK-CARVED TRAY, Gold-decorated, black-lacquered, Qing–Republic of China Period (1616–1949 CE)

Dated to the Qing dynasty through the Republican period, this small tray is black-lacquered and decorated in gilt. It is formed as a shallow rectangular box, the sides encircled with a pierced openwork scrolling-arabesque motif.

It appears to have a red-lacquer ground overlaid with black lacquer. On the corners, edges, and the raised areas of the openwork carving the black lacquer has been abraded, revealing the underlying red lacquer in places. Traces of gilding remain on the front openwork; along the curling lines of the scrolling arabesque motif the layers of black, red, and gold overlap.

The interior is finished in black lacquer and shows abrasions and scratches from use. The reverse has undergone considerable change in its ground, presenting a surface of reddish-hued wood intermingled with older lacquer layers.

The dimensions make it well suited as a tray for tea utensils or small vessels, and equally convenient as a small stand for grouping incense containers or writing implements. The gilding survives only in places; today the layering of black and red lacquer and the worn arabesque pattern are more prominent.

As an older object, it shows scratches, scuffs, and areas of lacquer loss, but remains in a condition suitable for use. Please examine the images for details.