This is a handmade Chinese lacquer rectangular tray with brass-trimmed corners, finished in red, black, and gold rhino skin lacquer (Xipi, 犀皮漆) on a solid Burma padauk (缅甸花梨) body, from the Yi Series by HFDlacquerware (禾丰鼎). At 14.2" × 9.4", it works as a scholar's desk tray, a tea tray, or a catchall, and its quiet surface makes it easy to place almost anywhere.

In the Yi Series, the groundwork is built low, so red, black, and gold move together freely as color and flow rather than dramatic relief. Layer upon layer of natural raw lacquer (生漆) is applied by hand, and the final step is kaiqing tuiguang (开清推光), polishing the surface with the palm until it is soft to the touch and deep in luster. The pattern forms on its own, so no two trays are alike.

Where the Chong Series asks for attention, this one settles quietly into a room. Yi (夷) means level, at ease — the colors lie flat and calm, like a river seen from above, still moving underneath.

Looking for more texture? See the rhino skin trays in the Chong Series: Black & Gold, Turquoise & Black, and Red.