Japanese Obon Serving Tray | Vintage Tea Tray & Decorative Organizer, 1970s (Showa), SKU 25S-782-2

Japanese Obon Serving Tray | Vintage Tea Tray & Decorative Organizer, 1970 (Showa), SKU 25S-782-2

A handcrafted Japanese wood tray with carved handle cutouts and richly textured grain -- offered with its original presentation box.

An obon is a traditional Japanese serving tray used daily in homes, tea rooms, and ryokan (inn) settings to carry cups, small dishes, and seasonal sweets with quiet elegance. This  Showa-era example is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood, Aizu kiri wood or a similarly textured Japanese softwood, its surface displaying fine linear striations that deepen to warm amber and brown tones with age. The raised rim keeps items secure during service, while a pair of carved cutout handles set into the short ends allow for comfortable carrying -- a practical detail executed with clean, restrained craftsmanship typical of vintage Japanese craft of the postwar period. The tray retains its original cardboard presentation box, a rare survival that speaks to its careful storage and collectible quality.

Today this handsome obon translates beautifully into a modern home. Style it on a coffee table or ottoman as a living room accent to corral candles, a small plant, and coasters in true Japandi style. In the bedroom it works as a nightstand organizer for glasses, a carafe, and a book -- or on a bathroom vanity to display soaps and small bottles with a wabi-sabi aesthetic. Its flat, wide base also makes it a natural fit as an entryway key-and-mail tray. A thoughtful housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique objects with genuine daily utility.

• Origin: Aizu region, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1970s (Showa)
• Material: Kiri wood or similar Japanese wood, with natural oil or wax finish; original cardboard presentation box included
• Use: Traditional obon serving tray for tea, tableware, and small food items
• Modern Use: Coffee table or ottoman display tray; bedroom or bathroom vanity organizer; entryway key and accessory tray
• Features: Raised rim on all sides; carved rectangular cutout handles at each short end; fine linear wood grain throughout; flat unfinished base; sold with original presentation box
• Dimensions: 17 1/2"W x 12"D x 1 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully simple piece of Japanese antique craft -- functional, timeless, and effortlessly at home in any modern interior.

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.