Modernist Cast Iron Tray with Enamel Painted Decoration, Presumed Japanese large gameboard with wood framed bottom box

with wood framed bottom box

almost rocky variegated exterior dramatically contrasting with silky smooth

" Completely charming

an engraving of the Walter A

now with a nice patina

Modernist Cast Iron Tray with Enamel Painted Decoration, Presumed Japanese large gameboard with wood framed bottom boxI found this one at my favorite shop in New Hampshire this week, owned by a family of artists and always a treasure trove of interesting things. My guess is that it is Japanese, thought there is no mark cast of iron with enamel painted decoration in black and yellow and red. Perhaps it was made to be an ashtray, with the yellow enameled triangle perhaps pointing to where one would lay a cigarette, and maybe the two yellow circles suggesting a lighter