Title
Tea tray
Year/Period
Mid-late 19th century
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H: 1.,
5 W: 18.,
2 D: 8.5 (in cm)
5 W: 18.,
2 D: 8.5 (in cm)
Accession No.
2011-02479
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Agnes Tan Kim Lwi in memory of Tun Tan Cheng Lock.
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.
