Japanese Obon Serving Tray | Vintage Tea Tray & Decorative Catchall, 1970s5 (Showa), SKU 25S-782-1

Japanese Obon Serving Tray | Vintage Tea Tray & Decorative Catchall, 1970s (Showa), SKU 25S-782-1

A handcrafted Aizu kiri wood tray from postwar Japan, preserved in its original gift box.

An obon is a traditional Japanese serving tray used daily in the home to carry tea, tableware, and seasonal sweets -- an object valued as much for its quiet beauty as its function. This example was crafted in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, long celebrated for its fine woodworking tradition known as Aizu-nuri and Aizu-kiri craft. The label on the original washi-wrapped gift box reads "Aizu Kirigei," identifying this as a piece of kiri (paulownia) craftsmanship -- a wood prized in Japan for its silky, straight grain and light yet durable character. The tray features a low-rimmed rectangular form with gently rounded corners and a pair of cut-out hand slots carved directly into the long sides, a hallmark of classic Japanese tray design. The surface displays a warm honey-to-amber tone with a fine linear grain pattern characteristic of aged kiri, and the overall finish has developed a pleasing patina consistent with mid-Showa production. That it remains housed in its original box -- complete with a decorative washi-paper cover and maker's label -- makes this a particularly collectible example of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this handsome tray brings effortless Japandi style to everyday living. Use it on a coffee table to corral candles, a small plant, and a remote -- a natural living room accent that grounds a minimalist decor scheme. On a kitchen counter or dining sideboard, it works beautifully as a tea service tray or charcuterie presentation board. In a bedroom or bathroom, it becomes an elegant organizer for perfumes, jewelry, or skincare essentials. Compact, lightweight, and finished in a neutral wood tone that pairs with almost any interior palette, this is a thoughtful housewarming gift or a distinctive find for collectors drawn to the wabi-sabi aesthetic of everyday Japanese antiques.

• Origin: Aizu region, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1970s (Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) wood with a natural oil or light lacquer finish; original washi-wrapped gift box with maker's label included
• Use: Traditional Japanese serving tray (obon) for tea, tableware, and sweets
• Modern Use: Coffee table styling tray; bathroom or bedroom organizer for perfumes and accessories; kitchen or dining sideboard serving tray
• Features: Low-rimmed rectangular form with gently rounded corners; integrated cut-out hand slots on each short end; fine straight kiri grain with warm amber patina; original Aizu Kirigei gift box included
• Dimensions: 20"W x 12"D x 1 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent -- light age-appropriate patina; original gift box shows minor wear consistent with storage

A quietly refined piece of vintage Japanese craft that brings the timeless wabi-sabi aesthetic of Aizu woodworking 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.