Title
Tray
Year/Period
Early Republican period (1911-1930)
Region
China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L18.2 x W8.5 x H1.4 cm
Accession No.
1999-00762
Credit Line
Bequest of Tony Wee and Colin Holland

Tea trays such as this example 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.