A JAPANESE PAIR OF LACQUERED TRAYS WITH DRAGON DESIGN, MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)

An outstanding and large pair of lacquered offering trays with a refined dragon 龍 (ryû) design.
Each quadrangular tray with lobed openwork corners raised on a high baluster shaped pillar with a domed circular foot.

The top of each tray is decorated in gold, orange, and silver takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) with kirikane 切金, (cut and inlaid pieces of gold leaf) to depict a sinuous four-clawed dragon. Well detailed with scales, surrounding flames, spiky brows and beard, the mouth wide open revealing tongue and teeth, all within a circular raised rim.
The bases with crashing waves gilt decoration.

Complete with original wood storage box 供箱 (tomobako) with an inscription describing the trays, and the interior of the lid with an old stamped Japanese auction slip.

Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions:
Height 22.8 cm, Width and Depth 28.5 cm.

In a very good condition with minimal wear conform age. Please have a look at the photos for a condition reference.