Large Serving Tray – Canton, Napoleon III Period
This 19th-century lacquered wooden tray is a rare piece intended for the European market. It features a two-tone gold decoration on a black background, depicting a lively scene in a mandarin garden.
The central composition, rich in architectural detail and figures, is surrounded by three floral friezes that elegantly accentuate the scalloped edge.
Primarily used for serving tea, it is a fine example of a Cantonese export item, combining the exoticism of Far Eastern landscapes with the refinement of the Second Empire style.
France, 19th century
Dimensions: 72 cm x 60 cm
