Lacquer tray with floral decoration, Japan late Meiji period

Japan, lacquer tray with floral decoration, late Meiji period.
This Japanese maki-e lacquer tray from the Meiji period (1868-1912), expertly and exquisitely crafted, features a lush decoration of delicately executed plants in gold lacquer on a glossy black background.
Its rectangular shape with subtly beveled corners rests on four curved legs, emphasizing the refinement of the whole.
The lush decoration covering the top, the lower edge of the tray, and the legs precisely and realistically combines wisteria, chrysanthemums, bellflowers, vine foliage, and ferns in a graceful and naturalistic interweaving.
The shades of gold, punctuated with subtle touches of silver, delicately highlight each petal and leaf, demonstrating great craftsmanship in both the design and its execution. In Japan, this type of tray was traditionally used to display an incense burner and its accompanying incense holder or a delicate ikebana floral arrangement during refined ceremonies.
In the West, it makes an ideal display for a collection of precious objects such as inr? or netsuke, or for an elegant breakfast service.
Dimensions: 54.6 x 38.8 cm, height 14.4 cm.