Title
Tray
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H1.8 x L26.4 x W21.8 cm
Accession No.
C-1300
Collection of
This lobed oval tray has a gilded upturned edge with key-fret designs in blue. Peony sprays decorate the lime-green background while an ogival medallion in the centre has phoenix and peony on pink ground.Tea trays such as this were only used in traditional Straits Chinese wedding ceremonies. They were produced in a variety of shapes and sizes for serving cups of tea to guests. It was customary for the bride to serve tea to her in-laws and elderly relatives from both sides of the families. The colours and the auspicious pheonix and peony motifs are an indication of their exclusive use for these special occasions.
