A fine Japanese inlaid mixed-metal tray Meiji Period

A fine Japanese inlaid mixed-metal tray
Meiji PeriodOf oblong octagonal form, set on four corner feet, chiselled and decorated in bronze, copper and gilt with a scholar seated beside a young boy, the figure holding a paint brush aloft, with artist's accoutrements at his side, both looking towards a dragon emerging from a screen amongst billowing clouds, gilt maker's mark.25.5cm (10in) long.