Zitan Scholars' Tray

Surprisingly contemporary in its simplicity, this wooden tray, carved over 150 years ago, exploits the natural beauty of zitan, a prized hardwood from the forests of Northern China. Due to the rarity and slow growth of zitan, objects made from the wood were highly revered. In fact, this tray likely sat on the desk of a learned scholar who appreciated the wood’s natural beauty set off by this simple, elegant design.