Autumn Grass and Crickets Maki-e Sumi-kiri Tray Edo Period/1603-1867CE

This is a Sumi-kiri tray from the Edo period. The image of a cricket is painted in silver lacquer, and the brushwork is very delicate and beautiful. The body is made to be thin and light, but it also has a sense of weightiness to it. It was probably originally made as a lid for a box, but when it was given to me by a Sencha tea family, I was impressed that they used it as a Sencha tea tray.

This corner tray adds a seasonal touch to your tea moment, and as an item that gives a sense of freedom in how it can be presented, we hope you will enjoy it at your autumn tea ceremony.