【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This Chinese carved lacquer tray dates to the mid to late 19th century (Qing Dynasty) and is executed in the traditional carved lacquer technique known in Japanese as tsuikoku. The piece is formed from many layers of black lacquer that were gradually built up and then deeply carved to create the design. The tray features a powerful dragon carved in high relief at the center, surrounded by scrolling clouds and decorative borders. The overall shape of the tray resembles a lotus leaf, giving the piece an elegant organic outline. Such trays were often used as incense trays (kōbon) or as display pieces in refined interiors. In Chinese symbolism, the dragon represents imperial authority, strength, and auspicious power. It is traditionally associated with prosperity, protection, and control over the forces of nature such as rain and water. The surrounding cloud forms symbolize the heavens and the realm in which the dragon moves, often representing good fortune and the arrival of blessings. The lotus-inspired outline reflects purity and spiritual refinement, a motif widely appreciated in East Asian art. The carving shows fine attention to detail, particularly in the dragon’s scales, claws, and flowing body. The depth of the carving and the visible layers of lacquer demonstrate the labor-intensive nature of the technique. Condition is fair antique condition with wear consistent with age. There are scattered lacquer cracks, particularly around the dragon’s claws and parts of the body. Small areas of lacquer loss and surface wear are present. The underside shows numerous scratches, small dents, and scuffs from historical use, and minor white spotting is visible on parts of the surface. The tray is accompanied by a wooden storage box. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 3.2 cm W 35.3 cm D 23.8 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!