Petite Tea Tray

Simple lines, a modest form, and a layer of hand-brushed lacquer give this petite Qing-dynasty tray a provincial charm that recalls the warmth of home. The dark brown lacquer finish has weathered with time to reveal the light brown coloring of its pine wood construction. The underside of the tray is painted a bright forest green and brushed with Chinese calligraphy in a contrasting red. A tray like this would have been used to serve tea or food to friends and family gathered on traditional kang daybeds. Today, we love using small trays like this as serving platters or catch-all dishes for jewelry, glasses, and other accessories.