Asian tray, for what and when ? | ||
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Posted 4 years ago
Golgatha
(214 items)
This handmade, Asian tray is a flea market find. Stained fir and wickerwork glued on. 20.5 cm x 15.5 cm x 6.0 cm. My guess would be China, 20th or 21st century, but made for which purpose ? If you know, then please tell me !
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I think this is Japanese, used with their traditional low seating arrangements, very nice. I love these trays. Thanks for posting.
Thanks truthordare ! What would they put on this tray ?
Good question, the size is generous so I would think a meal would be appropriate with their own unique traditional type of servings in small dishes. Here is an example so you can see what I mean.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/nMtXA7GWPmV9A07xJMrAvAl6S7k=/5025x2827/smart/filters:no_upscale()/traditional-japanese-breakfast-172597344-5b0630a08e1b6e0036cc914e.jpg
that link did not work, here is the site:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-japanese-foods-4118370
Thanks again truthordare ! My first thought was 'saké' ! LOL ! But your suggestion is, of course, much more reasonable !
Now I've been told that it's most likely a japanese 'oshibori' tray for hot, moist towelettes in a japanese restaurant. So the only question that remains is: How old is it ?
I dont think so, the oshibori is a lightweight oblong tray and traditional to offer dinners to wipe and clean their hands before a meal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshibori
As far as the age of yours tray, which also can serve as a stand, your idea of a sake service for personal use was ok, I see this as private item in a household, it could have many uses. Mid 20th century or earlier is my guesstimate.
I thank you once again truthordare ! So the oshibori theory is out. My guess would be that the wickerwork (of bamboo ?) protects the wood from something moist, whatever that could be ?
I agree, if cared for and wiped after use, otherwise it would stain and rot the bamboo strips. Seems by the texture of your tray surface this was already used and had moist spills etc. BTW I really like it, I collect trays of all kinds, so this one I find is special and a great find. Thanks Golgatha.
Thanks truthordare. Yesterday I mailed the photo to an expert in Asian art. She answered that the tray is from China or Southeast Asia, made in the early 20th century for food or offerings. That sounds reasonable I think.
Well, as she has decided not to identify the country but rather the region, I still stand by my opinion of it being Japanese. When I saw that other types of Japan trays had a woven surface similar to yours, that made sense,
Anyway, it is a very interesting piece, and you made a great find as far as I am concerned, I would ask a Japanese person what they think, one that is familiar with the 20th century culture and traditions. Have a good day.