From the research I've done, this indicates that the piece was made in Fuzhou City (Foochow), China, by the Shen Shao An company. This company was founded in 1915, and was shut down and merged with a state-owned company in 1952. This naturally places this tray as being made at some point between those dates. Other similar pieces by the same company that have been listed on antique auction sites have been dated by their experts as being 1920s-1930s. This means that this piece could be officially antique (over 100 years old), or at least very close to it.

The tray is quite large - approx 63cm W x 33cm D x 3cm H.

It is showing wear commensurate with its age. There are chips to the black lacquer coating in places, particularly on the edges and corners. There are some surface scratches. There is a spot where there is a crack originating from where there was a tack nail placed to hold the base to the sides. The nail can be seen as the lacquer coating over it has flaked off. There is also cracking lacquer around the seam between the base and the sides. This is fairly natural, as the underlying wood would have moved and changed size over the years. The painting is still very clear and detailed. Please see the photos for more details, as I have endeavoured to show all the faults.

Please note - I have a three business day turnaround between payment and postage in my T&Cs. I'd like to be faster, but I have little kids who sometimes don't allow it! Please contact me if you need it sent sooner though, and I'll try my best!  

Please check my other listings for more collectables. Always happy to combine postage!