It is rare to find this combination of black lacquer on a red ground. Compare with late Ming a box and cover similarly carved on the cover with flowers and leaves, illustrated in Zhongguo Qiqi Quanji, Fujian meishu chubanshe, vol. 5, 1995, pl. 171.

The composition of the present tray is inspired from early Ming carved lacquerware, where a central peony blossom with foliage is surrounded by four more major peonies at the cardinal points. For the Yongle period prototype, see the large carved cinnabar lacquer circular box and cover, sold in these Rooms, 29 April 2001, lot 637.