Lacquered Tea Tray

After a period of excess under the shogun, traditional aesthetics of the tea ceremony returned to the classic roots of simplicity and tranquility during the Meiji period. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, tea ceremonies were performed according to rules that governed the tasks performed and utensils used in order to make for a spiritually enlightened ritual. This lacquered tray exemplifies the pure refined style of tea ceremony objects. With its simple trestle base and plain top, the tea tray is minimally decorated with a red lacquer top and subtly carved accents on the apron. A time-honored way to serve tea, the tray also serves as a platform for displaying prized objects.