Tea tray

Title
Tea tray
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: H: 1.5,
x W: 18.2,
x D: 9.6cm
Accession No.
2006-01049

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.