This delightful marquetry tray dates from the late-nineteenth century. It sports a playful design. A chessboard is painted on one side with trompe l'oeil playing cards. Represented on the reverse is a lavishly-dressed shepherd walking a goat and sheep while clasping a parasol (clearly for protection from the infamous noontide sun!) and a trompe l'oeil decorative border.

The elegant wooden side handles rotate so it can be carried securely. Made from walnut with many other finely inlaid timbers both painted and unpainted. This is a rare and beautiful large-scale tray that would make a very special gift for a keen chess player.