Antique Japanese Meiji Era Obon Tray Lacquer Wood Serving Tray Japan

This authentic Japanese antique Obon serving tray dates to the Meiji Era (late 1800s) and represents a beautiful example of traditional Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship. The tray is made from wood and finished with a deep black lacquer surface, decorated with a delicate gold illustration.

The artwork depicts a traveler on horseback accompanied by an attendant, with Mount Fuji visible in the background. This classic scene reflects traditional Japanese landscape themes often seen in Meiji-period decorative arts, symbolizing travel, nature, and cultural heritage.

Obon trays were traditionally used in Japan for serving tea, sweets, or small dishes to guests. They were also used during tea gatherings and in formal hospitality settings. Today, antique trays like this are also appreciated as decorative display pieces in tea rooms, Zen interiors, or collections of Japanese antiques.

This piece was sourced directly from a Japanese government antique auction, ensuring its authenticity and historical value. The tray displays natural signs of age consistent with an object over a century old, adding character and authentic wabi-sabi charm.

✅ Key Features

✅ Authentic Japanese Meiji Era (1800s) antique tray
✅ Traditional Obon serving tray design
✅ Handcrafted wooden construction
✅ Beautiful black lacquer finish
✅ Delicate gold illustration of traveler and Mount Fuji
✅ Classic Japanese landscape motif
✅ Sourced from a Japanese government antique auction
✅ Over 100 years old collectible piece
✅ Perfect for tea ceremony, display, or collection

✅ Cultural Background
The Meiji Era (1868–1912) was a time of cultural transformation in Japan when traditional crafts such as lacquerware reached high levels of refinement. Serving trays like this were commonly used in tea service and formal hospitality, reflecting Japanese values of presentation and aesthetic harmony.

The depiction of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic mountain, symbolizes beauty, longevity, and national identity. Scenes of travelers journeying through landscapes were also common in Japanese art and evoke themes of pilgrimage and exploration.

✅ Condition
✅ Good antique condition
✅ Visible scratches consistent with age and use
✅ Stable wooden construction
✅ Natural patina from over 100 years of history
✅ Please review all photos carefully before purchasing

Perfect For
• Japanese tea ceremony display
• Antique lacquerware collectors
• Wabi-sabi or Zen interior decor
• Traditional Japanese serving tray
• Cultural art display piece
• Unique historical collectible

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.