This is an antique Japanese late Meiji Era (c. 1910) 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 dark brown lacquer. There is artwork etched into the tray's layers of lacquer in the form of a wren sitting on a bamboo facing bound straw above a Peony flower . Within the etched areas gold lacquer has been applied to make the artwork stand out from the brown lacquer. Having been used lovingly for over a century, aside from minor wear it is in very good condition. The etched decoration is clear gold is bright. The tray measures 14 1/4" square by 1 1/2" tall (36 x 3.5 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to display your treasures.