Black laquer trays with inlaid mother-of-pearl depicting five clawed dragons were among the pieces of lacquerware that were popular as items of tribute in the Ryukyu islands during the 17th and 18th centuries. This work is one of the largest trays of its type. The surface is coated with black lacquer and inlaid with abalone shell. Using a technique called urazaishiki, gold foil and gold paint have been applied here and there on the back of the shell to create a unique color effect. In the center of the tray, two dragons holding flaming jewels and flying amidst clouds turn to face each other. The rim is decorated with treasure motifs and designs of six-petaled flowers set within a tortoise shell grid. From the flaming jewel in the center of the tray, sets of three lines (one straight and two with wave patterns) radiate out in eight directions -- a distinctive feature of this tray.