These trays are designed for tenshin, a light repast served in place of the formal kaiseki meal. Tenshin is served during less formal tea gatherings or those with many guests, presenting in one course essentially the same foods as the formal...
This style of tray, known as a hanagatabon or flower-shaped tray, is designed for use in the hana (flower) temae, a chabako tea procedure for the spring season. The red-lacquered edges of this tray suggest stylized petals, and the center of the...