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Hi, I recently bought this tray at auction and, after researching, I believe it to be a small Ryukyuan court tray from the 18th century. It measures 35cm across I know it is in quite bad condition but how do I find out if its genuine and does it have any value in its current condition?
Any help, advice, confirmation, feedback please? Anything would be appreciated.
I may an absolute novice when it comes to Asian antiques but I think its beautiful, scars and all.

This is a Korean-made example of black lacquer inlaid with mother of pearl and probably dating to the late 20th century.

See online image downloaded herewith. A Google search of the term "Korean black lacquer inlaid wares" will bring up many other examples.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Hi Bill, and thank you for my first reply. If you look at my first photo and search image with Google lens, multiple, intact versions of this tray/ dish come up. Most are in museums or for reference.
There is a larger tray at The Metropolitan Museum of Art which was gifted by Florence and Herbert Irving in 2015. Please see attached link.
Also going to add a few more photos of the tray I have. Would you mind having a look and comparing it to the other examples for me?
Kind regards,
Annette

My thoughts lie in having read that most ancient Korean art was destroyed during the Korean War, which ended 70 years ago. Much of the surviving pieces are in museums and others are post-war replications of the museum items. Having said that, there is a small chance that your damaged example is pre-war, which was why I qualified my comment on it with "probably". However it would take a museum expert to evaluate yours.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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