19th Century Chinese Elmwood Red Lacquer Tea Tray – Hand Made & Hand Painted

Description

19th Century Chinese Elmwood Red Lacquer Tea Tray – Hand Made & Hand Painted

A magnificent discovery from the antique dealers and fairs of Cape Cod, where winter’s warmth drew us to scuff our toes in the white sands and explore the treasures hidden in this legendary antiquing destination. Among our car boot full of finds, this exceptional 19th-century Chinese tea tray stood out for its impressive scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and the kind of well-loved patina that speaks to generations of cherished use.
This large elmwood tray showcases the masterful artistry of Chinese lacquer work, with hand-applied red lacquer that has developed the most beautiful variations in tone and texture over more than a century of life. The piece embodies that perfect balance of functional beauty and decorative impact that defines the finest examples of Chinese domestic arts.
Historical Significance
Dating to the 19th century, this tray represents the golden age of Chinese lacquer work, when master craftsmen combined traditional techniques passed down through generations with the highest quality materials. The elmwood construction provides the perfect foundation for lacquer application, offering both durability and the subtle grain patterns that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Chinese tea trays of this period were essential elements of formal tea service, designed to contain the ritual implements while adding elegance to the ceremony. The generous proportions of this piece suggest it was created for important occasions and honored guests.
Specifications

Dimensions: Approximately 20″ square x 3″ high
Material: Chinese elmwood with red lacquer finish
Construction: Hand made and hand painted
Era: 19th century
Origin: China
Condition: Great condition with beautiful aged patina
Finish: Varying shades of red lacquer with authentic wear

Exceptional Craftsmanship
The hand-applied lacquer work demonstrates the sophisticated techniques that made Chinese artisans legendary throughout Asia. Multiple layers of lacquer were carefully built up and polished to create depth and luminosity, with hand-painted details that showcase individual artistic skill. The varying shades of red – from deep crimson to warm vermillion – create visual interest and demonstrate how fine lacquer develops character over time.
The elmwood construction, favored by Chinese craftsmen for its stability and beautiful grain, provides the perfect foundation for this masterful lacquer work.
Versatile Display & Function
This substantial tray offers remarkable versatility:
Functional Use:

Elegant serving tray for entertaining
Tea service presentation
Bar cart styling for cocktail service
Coffee table centerpiece for books and objects

Decorative Display:

Wall-mounted as sculptural art
Console or sideboard styling piece
Dining room or kitchen focal point
Asian-inspired interior accent

Design Impact
The impressive 20″ square scale makes this piece a true statement maker, while the rich red lacquer provides that “great pip of color” that transforms any space. The authentic patina and wear patterns tell the story of its long life, adding character that simply cannot be replicated in modern reproductions.
Cape Cod Provenance
Discovered among the carefully curated collections of Cape Cod’s finest antique dealers, where generations of collectors have brought back treasures from around the world. The Cape’s rich maritime history created a natural gateway for Asian imports, and pieces like this often found their way into New England homes through sea captains and merchants engaged in the China trade.
Styling Inspiration
Perfect for:

Asian-inspired interiors seeking authentic period pieces
Eclectic collections mixing global antiques
Traditional settings needing a pop of dramatic color
Modern spaces requiring organic texture and warmth
Collectors of Chinese decorative arts and lacquer work

Care & Preservation
Antique lacquer requires gentle care:

Dust with soft, dry cloth
Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture
Display away from direct sunlight to preserve color
Handle with care to protect the aged finish

A magnificent example of 19th-century Chinese lacquer artistry – bringing both functional beauty and dramatic color to any setting, with the authentic patina and character that only comes from more than a century of cherished use.

rDimensions: 20ʺW × 20ʺD × 3ʺH
Style: Chinese, Asian
Period: 19th Century
Country of Origin: China
Materials: Elmwood, Red Lacquer
Condition: Great Condition with Authentic Aged Patina
Color: Varying Shades of Red LacquerSee

Dimensions

20ʺW × 20ʺD × 3ʺH

Styles

Chinese

Period

Mid 19th Century

Country of Origin

China

Item Type

Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned

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Materials

Lacquer

Wood

Condition

Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections

Color

Red

Condition Notes

Superbly aged and with just the right about of patina and wearSuperbly aged and with just the right about of patina and wear