Impressive “happiness” Tray, 1 × 0.65 M, Engraved And Pierced Brass, China, Circa 1900

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Impressive oval serving tray, which could alsobe used as a tabletop, with a broad pierced border decorated with floralbouquets and framed by a bamboo-effect rim. The centre is ornamented with thecharacters associated with good fortune: 壽 (Shou, longevity), 祿 (Lu, prosperity and wealth),and 福 (Fu,happiness and good fortune), together forming the traditional Fu Lu Shou,symbolising the three blessings of life. It may originally have been intendedas a wedding gift. To the left is a long-feathered bird; to the right, afive-clawed dragon.The expressive, deeply engraved decoration, thepierced floral border, which lends visual lightness to the piece, and itsunusually large dimensions make this a particularly striking decorative object.Weighing approximately 5 kg, it would in fact be rather cumbersome to use as aserving tray once loaded.China, probably made for export to Europe, late19th or early 20th century.Good overall condition, with light signs ofwear. The brass would benefit from some light cleaning or polishing. Nosignificant flaws.