Contrast and a question

On a dark day for the world, our son has sent his Mum some flowers in the post.

The vase from Bärbel in Cromarty pottery. The wooden tray is Indian, from an antique shop several years ago. We wonder if it was originally used for making dough, but that might be fanciful, because bakers would prefer a flat surface. It might just be a tray. Any kitchenalia experts out there?