Mid-20th Century Japanese Black Lacquerware Trays

A pair of circular black lacquer trays featuring traditional Japanese motifs executed in maki-e (sprinkled gold powder) and mother-of-pearl (raden) inlay. The top tray displays a floral arrangement of chrysanthemums and butterflies, while the bottom tray depicts a landscape scene including Mount Fuji, a thatched-roof house, pine trees, and a shoreline. Both trays feature a unique openwork bamboo or rattan border lashed to the main lacquer disc with natural fiber ties in a decorative loop pattern. The base material is likely lightweight wood or medium-density fiberboard coated in high-gloss black urushi-style lacquer. The craftsmanship targets the post-war Japanese 'souvenir' market of the early 1950s, consistent with items brought home by veterans. Condition shows minor surface scuffing and light scratches indicative of age, with some slight dulling of the gold paint. The decorative borders remain intact, though they show a natural aged patina and minor drying of the fiber bindings. No major cracks or chips in the lacquer are immediately visible in the current display orientation. The presence of Mount Fuji suggests these were produced in Japan, despite the provenance involving the Korean War theater.