A Chinese black lacquer tray, attributed to the 14th century because of its style, bears metal wire and shavings as part of its decoration. The metal was analyzed using x-ray fluorescence surface analysis and found to be a leaded brass containing approximately 29% zinc. If the date of attribution of the tray is correct, then the presence of brass is unusual given the results of recent studies which suggest that brass did not come into common use in China until the early 16th century. Further study of trays of this type, which often bear wire inlay, may prove useful to our understanding of the histories of Chinese metal technology and Chinese lacquer work.