Dating approximately from the 1920s–1940s, this traditional Chinese wooden tray is distinguished by a single carved and painted floral panel set into one side.
The decorative panel depicts flowers and foliage in softly muted red, green and ochre tones, contrasting with the otherwise simple construction of the tray. Decoration is confined to this one side, while the remaining three sides are left plain, giving the piece an understated and beautifully balanced character.
The tray retains a wonderfully aged surface, with natural variations in colour, rubbing, marks and wear developed through decades of use. Traditional corner joinery remains visible and forms part of its simple, functional construction.
Generously proportioned, it works beautifully as a tea tray or as a display surface for ceramics, collected objects or other decorative pieces. Its restrained form and surviving painted carving give it the quiet character of an everyday object that has acquired beauty through age and use.
Estimated date: 1920s–1940s.
Good vintage condition considering its age, with expected surface wear, marks, rubbing and variations in colour throughout. The carved and painted panel also shows age-related wear and losses to the decoration. These are consistent with the age and use of the piece and contribute to its character. Please refer to the photographs for full condition details.
