This is a handmade Chinese lacquer tea tray, with a black surface scattered with flowing gold lacquer (Liu Jin, 流金) over red lacquer sides and base, by HFDlacquerware (禾丰鼎). At 24.8" × 8.3" and 1.8" deep, it is long enough for a full gongfu setup, teapot, pitcher, and cups together, and doubles as a display tray between sessions.

Gold powder is mixed into natural raw lacquer (生漆) and dropped freely onto the surface, then left to settle into its own pattern, so no two trays are alike. Flowing gold with red is rare in our collection; only a few have ever been made. Once fully cured, natural lacquer stands up well to warmth and everyday use at the tea table. It arrives in a gift box and makes a considered gift for someone who takes their tea practice seriously.

A few drops of gold across a dark surface, and a line of red at the edge, like distant lights at dusk and the last warmth of the day. Everything quiet, and room for the tea.

Also available: see the other Flowing Gold Tea Trays, including the Red & Gold 50 cm, Black & Green, and the Dry Brewing Tea Tray.