Antique Japanese Meiji Era 100 Yr Old Wood & Lacquer Obon Ozen Tray Wren

This is an antique Japanese Taisho Era (c. 1920) serving tray, Ozen.  It would have been used to serve tea or small appetizers. It is made of cryptomeria wood with over 20 coats of Japanese brown lacquer. The lacquer was applied in a rich brown and there is a wren painted in gold sitting on a plum tree branch. Having been used lovingly for over a century where the wood has separated at the corners the lacquer is cracked and is in fair condition while the painted decoration is clear gold is bright. The tray measures 14 1/4" square by 1 1/4" tall (36 x 3 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to display your treasures.