Octagonal Red Lacquer Tray

This late 19th-century tray is crafted of northern elm (yumu) with eight sides, an auspicious number associated with wealth and abundance. The tray has a short footed base and flared sides reinforced at the corners with cloud-form iron plates. Colored by a finish of bright cinnabar-red lacquer, the tray may have originated as a presentation dish for food offerings or celebratory meals.