Cambodian Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Lacquerware Dish

This is a square, slightly concave decorative dish featuring traditional Southeast Asian lacquerware techniques. The piece is finished in a high-gloss black lacquer which provides a stark, reflective contrast to the intricate decorative inlay. The central motif depicts a stylized figure, likely a worker or farmer wearing a traditional conical hat, rendered using 'raden' or mother-of-pearl inlay. The natural iridescent quality of the shell creates a silvery, textured appearance against the dark background. The craftsmanship suggests a contemporary artisanal origin from Cambodia, where lacquerware remains a significant cultural craft. The figure's body is represented by broad, sweeping arcs of shell, while fine lines are used to detail the facial profile and hat. Physically, the item appears to be in good vintage or contemporary condition with a mirror-like finish on the lacquer surface, though there are minor surface reflections and what appear to be slight dust particles or faint surface abrasions typical of high-gloss items. The design is minimalist yet culturally expressive, representing a blend of traditional materials with a modern decorative aesthetic. The edges are clean and slightly curved upward to form a shallow bowl or plate shape, suitable for display or light decorative use.