Antique Japanese Ink Painted Presentation Tray in Box - Shinmotsubon

Japanese Ink-Painted Presentation Tray in Original Paulownia Box — Meiji–Taisho Period A beautiful and unusual piece called a shinmotsubon, a tray made specifically as a formal gift rather than for everyday use. These were objects created to be given to someone worth impressing. The tray is painted in loose, confident ink brushwork with lotus roots, pods and stems — a classic subject in Japanese literati painting carrying associations with purity and scholarly taste. The artist signed it with the pseudonym Nitōsanjin and called the piece: "The True Charm of the Lotus Pond." Certainly painted by an accomplished artist, though I have not been able to find any information about them. Likely a regional painter working in the Meiji to Taisho era. It comes in its original paulownia storage box, inscribed inside and out by the artist himself — a mark of care that suggests both pride in the work and the significance of the gift it once was. The original washi wrapping tissue is still present inside the box. A lovely object that comes with alot of questions. Who was the artist, who was this gift for? It has clearly been looked after and treasured, the tray itself is in exceptional condition. The storage box is a bit dirty with some dark marking to one corner, but its done its job in protecting the tray. Found in Kyoto on our last trip in May 2026. Dated to the Meiji–Taisho (circa 1880–1926, estimated) Tray measures approx: 30cm long x 21cm wide