An Elm Burlwood Tray Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

of rectangular form carved from a single piece of elm burlwood, framed by a low wall with a rounded cavetto and cusped corners on the interior and curved corners on the exterior, all resting on a flat base, the wood with dense whorls and knots 

M.D. Flacks, New York.

Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: One Hundred and Three Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, Hong Kong, 2005, pp. 160-161, no. 86.

The surface is quite dry with residue from old labels leaving marks on the surface. It can use a little waxing or polishing to bring out the grain.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This tray, as with the preceding example, was carved from a single board.  Jumu, one of six species of elm, with the scientific name zelkova schneideriana is one of the major cabinet woods of China. Typically jumu is covered with a protective lacquer coating as it is soft and susceptible to insect damage.  For a complete discussion of jumu furniture, see the article by Curtis Evarts, 'Traditional Jumu Furniture and The Museum of Jumu Furniture', Orientations, Hong Kong, June 2006, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. 28-35.