Red Lacquer Tea Tray

This lacquered wood tray exemplifies the refined style of Japanese tea ceremony objects. The square tray is elevated by a trestle base comprised of short, s-curve corner legs and flat floor stretchers. The legs are bisected by humpback stretchers and topped by a stepped apron of geometric openwork design. A thin layer of red lacquer finishes the tray, adding subtle color while allowing the beautiful grain patterns show through. A time-honored way to serve tea, the tray also serves as a platform for displaying prized objects.