Vintage Japanese Tray, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-964 (26M-964-1)

Japanese Obon Serving Tray | Vintage Tea Tray & Living Room Accent, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-964-1

A handcrafted mid-century Japanese wood tray with richly grained sides and cut-out handles -- understated elegance rooted in daily ritual.

An obon is a traditional Japanese serving tray used to carry tea, food, and small household items with care and ease. This sturdy rectangular example, dating to the Mid Showa period of postwar Japan, showcases the no-fuss, functional craftsmanship that defined everyday Japanese antique woodwork of the era. The sides display a boldly linear grain -- consistent with a hardwood such as nara (Japanese oak) or a similarly close-grained species -- finished in a warm amber-brown tone that has deepened beautifully with age. Practical cut-out hand slots at each short end allow for a secure two-handed grip, while the flat, smooth interior floor makes it ideal for steady carrying. The underside is finished in a dark protective coating, a common Mid Showa practice that extended the life of working household pieces.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese tray transitions effortlessly from its original purpose to a range of stylish uses. Lay it on a coffee table as a curated living room accent -- corral candles, a small plant, and a few decorative objects for an instant wabi-sabi aesthetic. Use it as a breakfast-in-bed tray or a bathroom organizer to hold soaps, oils, and rolled towels. It also works beautifully as a home office desk tray, keeping mail, notebooks, or stationery neatly contained. A thoughtful housewarming gift for anyone drawn to Japandi style or vintage Japanese craft, this obon brings warmth, history, and quiet functionality to any setting.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Hardwood, possibly nara (Japanese oak) or similar close-grained species; dark protective finish on underside
• Use: Serving tray for tea, food, and household items (obon)
• Modern Use: Coffee table display tray; bathroom organizer for toiletries; home office desk tray or entryway catchall
• Features: Rectangular form with raised sides; boldly linear wood grain on interior and exterior; cut-out hand slots at each short end; smooth flat interior floor; dark protective coating on base
• Dimensions: 14"W x 22 1/2"D x 3"H
• Condition: Excellent -- age-appropriate patina; light surface wear to underside consistent with use

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese craft that brings the quiet warmth of Mid Showa daily life into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.