A dark wooden dish can have a strong presence because its outline contrasts with a lighter setting. Surface detail may be less immediately visible than on a pale piece, making shape and lighting particularly noticeable. That balance can give a simple form a quiet but substantial character.
Colour in a photograph is affected by lighting, exposure and the screen used to view it. It is sensible to describe the visible appearance without guessing a timber species or finish. A dark tone is something we can observe; its cause may need information from the maker.
For an arrangement, compare the same object on a pale cloth, a mid-tone surface and a darker background. Notice whether the edge stays clear and whether grain detail becomes easier to see. The most useful setting depends on which qualities you want to show.
The archive illustration invites a discussion about contrast rather than a claim about the original material. A sketch of the silhouette alongside a small colour study can capture two different aspects of the piece. Together, they provide a more complete record of why a particular object catches the eye.