Product Description

Round black lacquered decorative tray with a raised rim and intricate, apparently hand-cut mother-of-pearl shell inlay. The scene depicts a robed figure with raised arms standing in a stylized landscape of trees, rocks, and mountain-like forms. A repeating triangular shell-inlay border surrounds the central scene, with small geometric shell accents around the rim. The shell shows subtle iridescent pink and green tones. The specific identity or symbolism of the figure is unknown. Construction/material: Black lacquered surface over an unidentified substrate, possibly wood or a built-up lacquer/composite base. The damaged rim exposes a brown, fibrous-looking or layered material; the exact substrate and wood species cannot be determined from photographs. Chinese-style decoration; country of manufacture and age are unverified. Provenance: From the Flora Fryer estate, inherited by the family in 1980. Original numbered estate inventory sticker on reverse.