Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A magnificent large square carved lacquer tray decorated with dense polychrome floral motifs featuring red blossoms, green leaves, and intricate diaper-pattern grounds. This piece exemplifies the 'red flowers, green leaves' (Kōka Ryoryoku / Honghua Luye) carved lacquer tradition, showcasing extraordinary depth and relief work.
Story
Carved lacquer was reserved for imperial court settings and high-status tea ceremonies. Artisans built up over 100 thin layers of natural sap, letting each dry for weeks before relief carving. This tray blends classical Chinese floral symbolism with delicate lacquer mastery.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned like most historical lacquerware, this tray belongs to the prestigious Asian lacquer tradition. Guild workshops spent months or years producing a single piece, layering red, green, and ochre lacquers over a wooden core to allow multi-colored relief carving.
Condition & Value
Appears in good vintage-to-antique condition with light surface wear, natural age patina, and minimal flaking along the rim consistent with age. Well-preserved condition significantly helps maintain value. Value is driven by the large size (35.2cm), intricate multi-colored relief carving, and overall state of preservation.
Full Research
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.