Vintage Japanese Tray, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-852 (26M-852-2)

Japanese Obon Tray | Vintage Incense Tray & Desk Organizer, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-852-2

A slender, lacquered hardwood obon -- quietly refined and built to last a lifetime.

An obon is a traditional Japanese serving or presentation tray, used in everyday household life as well as in formal tea and dining settings. This elongated example, likely crafted during the Late Showa period, stands out for its exceptionally narrow, linear form -- suggesting use as a dedicated incense tray (for resting an incense stick and its ash) or as a refined presentation surface for small offerings, chopsticks, or writing tools. The tray is fashioned from a richly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), finished with a deep reddish-brown lacquer that has developed a warm, glassy patina through decades of careful handling. The edges are softly rounded at each corner, and the low raised lip runs cleanly along all sides -- a hallmark of skilled Japanese craft. This is vintage Japanese woodwork at its most understated.

In a modern home, this slender tray is a remarkably versatile living room accent or home office accessory. Use it as a desk organizer to corral pens, a letter opener, and a small notepad in Japandi style minimalist decor. On a sideboard or console table, it becomes a beautiful display surface for a single stem, a folded cloth, or a small candle -- a wabi-sabi aesthetic touch that needs nothing more. It also works perfectly as an incense holder on a meditation altar or bathroom shelf, catching ash while adding a warm note of natural wood to the space. A thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Richly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with a deep reddish-brown lacquer finish
• Use: Incense tray, serving tray, or presentation tray for small items
• Modern Use: Desk organizer for pens and stationery; incense holder on a meditation altar or bathroom shelf; minimalist display tray on a sideboard or entryway console
• Features: Elongated narrow form; low raised lip on all sides; softly rounded corners; high-gloss lacquer with warm aged patina; smooth, even finish throughout
• Dimensions: 4 1/2"W x 17 1/2"D x 1"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly beautiful piece of Japanese antique craft -- handcrafted, purposeful, and perfectly at home in any modern living space.

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.