An oval inlaid bronze tray


Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryInset with a central bronze rounded panel decorated in high relief of silver, gilt and bronze with three karako (Chinese boys) on a verandah, each wielding a toy or a stalk of peony at a ho-o (phoenix) flying towards them, with details carved in katakiribori (engraving with an angled chisel emulating brushstrokes) surrounded by a rattan border finely woven in gozame-ami (mat plaiting); unsigned. 30.5cm x 24.5cm (12in x 9 5/8in).