This is a rectangular tea tray with chamfered corners and gilt rims. The central motifs feature two yellow ogival medallions that enclose large pink and white peony blossoms. Outside the medallions are motifs of other flowers, butterflies and birds set against a deep rose pink background. Peonies symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune. At the same time, butterflies and flowers together represent marital bliss and faithfulness in the marriage. The insides of the walls are lined with symbols from the Eight auspicious Buddhist Emblems, such as the Wheel of Law and the unending knot, which are accompanied with trailing ribbons on a bright yellow background.Nyonyas generally served tea to guests on wooden or metal trays which were associated with everyday use. As this piece is made from enamelled porcelain and contains auspicious symbols such as the peony flower and butterflies, it could have been part of the ceremonial tea set used during the wedding ceremony. It could also have been part of the Peranakan wedding feast set up known as the ‘Tok Panjang’.
