Lacquer Urushi- Antique Japanese Tray, MAKIE Gold Pampas Grass, 1800s Obon

This beautiful tray is made of wood, lacquer and gold and its design is inspired by the Shikishi, a traditional Japanese format for art. A Shikishi is essentially a simplified canvas, made by backing a square sheet of washi (Japanese paper) with a thick core. It is used for calligraphy and paintings intended for display. This tray mimics the form of a Shikishi where one edge has been slightly folded over, allowing the pattern of the backing paper to subtly show through onto the front.　
On the surface of the Shikishi, stalks of Japanese pampas grass (susuki), beginning to bear their seeds, are balanced gracefully with technique of makie, fixing gold powder or gold leaf with lacquer. This isn't merely a pattern on the paper; it's a reproduction of susuki hand-painted onto the surface, poised just before a poem evoking the autumn mood would be inscribed.
The piece captures this precise moment, expressing even the passage of time, as if waiting for the final verse.

Stored in a wooden box with a title of the work

□ Size:  H 0.6in × W 10.6in × D 10.6in （about H1.6cm×W27cm×D27cm  ）
□ Weight : 7.7oz (220g)
□ Material : wood, lacquer, gold

condition...
It is in a good condition, yet there are some scratches on the surface due to its age.