Antique Japanese (C.1850) Wood & Lacquer Obon Ozen Tray Makie Sparrows

This is an antique Japanese late Edo Era (c. 1850) serving tray, Obon or Ozen. It would have been used to serve tea or small appetizers. It is made of cryptomeria wood with over 20 coats of Japanese dark brown lacquer.  The gold artwork is done in a style called makie (raised gold lacquer) in the form of sparrows flying over a wind clacker to scare them away from the maturing rice grain below.

 Having been used lovingly for over 170 years, with the exception of minor signs of past use and a crack along the lacquer borders (see pictures 10 & 11), this tray remains overall in fine condition.  Sits squarely on floor or table. The lacquer is till in good polish.

It measures 14" square by 2 3/4" tall (36 x 7 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to display your treasures.  Please note: