Lacquer Tray with Crane, Japan, Second Half of the 19th Century, Late Meiji Period (before 1912) An original Japanese lacquer tray of elongated oval form, created during the Meiji period (1868–1912), executed in an elegant and minimalist aesthetic. The surface is coated in deep black lacquer (hakki) with a subtle sheen, forming the background for a poetic, almost painterly composition depicting a crane wading in water at night under a full moon. The bird is rendered in a dynamic yet still pose—with its head lowered, as if feeding—imbuing the scene with a sense of stillness and contemplation. The composition unfolds within a waterscape featuring reeds and delicately suggested ripples, articulated through fine, fluid lines. In the background, the presence of the full moon is implied; its light models the space through subtle tonal transitions and reflections on the water’s surface. The decoration is executed in a painterly lacquer technique using gold and warm, muted pigments (gold, red, ochre), which contrast with the dark ground to create an effect of luminosity and depth. The composition is asymmetrical—the motif is concentrated on one side, leaving a significant portion of the surface in “emptiness” (ma), emphasizing the Japanese approach to space and visual balance. The crane motif (tsuru) carries strong symbolic meaning, associated with longevity, happiness, and transcendence. The nocturnal setting and the presence of water introduce a reflective, almost poetic dimension, resonant with the aesthetic of yūgen. The object represents an excellent example of functional lacquerware from the Taishō period, combining utility with refined, narrative decoration of strong symbolic and aesthetic resonance. Condition: very good minus. The tray shows minor surface marks from use (visible subtly in natural light) and slight loss along the rim. The last two photographs document these imperfections. A comparable tray can be found in the Musée de Reims: https://musees-reims.fr/oeuvre/plateau And in the collection of Snežnik Castle Museum (Slovenia): https://vazcollections.si/predmeti/lakirani-servirni-pladenj/ 44 cm x 26 cm x 2 cm