This handcrafted lacquerware tray does more than hold your teacup—it turns every tea moment into something special. Made using traditional China lacquerware techniques and decorated with real gold leaf, each tea saucer brings a touch of artisan beauty to your table.
Available in two colors. Only 3 pieces in stock for each finish.
About This Tea Saucer
At just under 5 inches across, this lacquerware tray is sized to work with most teacups, gaiwans, or small teapots. The shallow depth (less than an inch) keeps it elegant and unobtrusive while still catching drips and protecting your table.
What makes it different from other tea trays is the gold leaf. Not gold-colored paint or metallic finish, but actual gold applied by hand. The artisan places small fragments across the lacquer base, creating those flowing, vein-like patterns you see in the photos. Because it's done by hand, the gold pattern on your piece will be slightly different from any other.
Two color options:
Red & Gold - A deep crimson base with warm gold veining. Classic and inviting.
Blue & Gold - Sapphire blue lacquer with the same gold leaf treatment. More dramatic, works well in modern spaces.
The surface has a glossy finish that's smooth to touch but not overly shiny. It reflects light softly, which is part of what gives China lacquerware that characteristic warm glow.
How People Use It
For tea service
Set it under your cup during tea sessions to catch drips. The water-resistant lacquer surface wipes clean easily and won't stain from tea.
As a lid rest
When you're pouring tea and need somewhere to set the teapot lid, this works perfectly. The smooth surface won't scratch ceramic or porcelain.
For small servings
Use it to offer sugar, lemon slices, small cookies, or other tea accompaniments. The gold detailing makes even simple offerings feel more considered.
As a catch-all
Beyond tea, it works as a jewelry dish on your nightstand, a business card holder on a desk, or just a decorative accent that happens to be useful.
Why Lacquerware for Tea
Traditional lacquerware has been used with tea service for centuries. There are practical reasons for this.
The lacquer finish is naturally heat-resistant, so warm teacups won't damage it. It's also water-resistant—tea spills wipe away without leaving marks or warping the surface.
The material itself is wood coated with many layers of natural lacquer resin. Each layer is applied, then left to dry completely before the next. This builds up a surface that's both durable and slightly flexible, so it doesn't crack easily like ceramic might.
Over time, the finish actually improves. With use and gentle cleaning, lacquerware develops a deeper patina. It's one of those materials that ages well rather than wearing out.
The Making Process
Each lacquerware tray goes through a multi-step process that can't be rushed or mechanized.
First, the wooden base is shaped and prepared. Then comes the lacquer application—multiple thin coats, each requiring full drying time. This alone takes days.
Once the base coats are stable, the artisan adds the gold leaf. Small fragments of real gold are placed by hand across the surface. The placement is intuitive rather than planned, which is why each piece looks organic rather than geometric.
Taking Care of It
Lacquerware tea saucers are actually quite practical for daily use once you know a couple simple care points.
After using it, wipe it down with a soft cloth. If something sticky got on it, you can use a barely damp cloth, but dry it right after. That's really all the regular maintenance it needs.
Don't put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in water. Don't use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.
Store it at normal room temperature, away from direct sunlight or radiators. Lacquer doesn't like extreme temperature changes.
With this basic care, your tray will last for years. Many people find that lacquerware they use regularly actually looks better after a decade than when new—the finish develops character.
More lacquer layers go over the gold, sealing it while allowing it to show through. Finally, the whole surface is polished by hand to achieve that signature soft shine.
It's a slow process, which is why we can only keep small quantities in stock.
As a Gift
If you're looking for something thoughtful for someone who takes their tea seriously, this is the kind of gift that gets used and appreciated rather than stored away.
It's substantial enough to feel special (real gold leaf, handmade, traditional craft) but practical enough to use every day. The price point at $89 positions it as a genuine gift without being so expensive it makes people uncomfortable.
Works well for tea ceremony practitioners, anyone building a tea collection, people who appreciate handmade objects, or someone setting up a new home who values quality over quantity.
The limited stock (just 3 per color) makes it genuinely uncommon. When these sell out, it takes several weeks to make more.
Product Specifications
- Diameter: 4.92 inches
- Height: 0.78 inches
- Materials: Wood base, natural lacquer, genuine gold leaf
- Finish options: Red & Gold, Blue & Gold
- Surface: Glossy, water-resistant
- Care: Wipe clean with soft cloth
- Stock: Limited to 3 pieces per color
Choose Your Finish
Both colors bring the same level of craftsmanship and gold leaf detail. The choice comes down to whether you prefer the warm, traditional feel of red or the cooler, more contemporary look of blue.
Only 3 pieces available in each color. When sold out, restocking requires 3-4 weeks for new production.
