BGV Tray, mid-century modern, Japan, 1950s

Tray from Japan from the 1950s, kept in the spirit of mid-century modern, showcases sturdiness. The surface of the tray clearly shows numerous signs of use, but its condition is good. This tray carries the voice of post-war Japan, where traditional craftsmanship met modernist functionality of the 1950s. The glossy black lacquer refers to the raw discipline of the workshop of Japanese masters, and the hand-painted bird – like a silent witness of daily rituals – fits into the narrative of mindfulness and respect for moments spent over tea. The patina of metal and scratches on the surface tell the passage of time, about homes where the tray accompanied conversations and gestures, remaining both a practical object and a sign of care for aesthetics.