Red brown lacquered wooden tea tray with wood grain showing, hand carved spiral and Ippodo seal over cross section of tree Close up of hand carved Ippodo logo seal over spiral on red brown lacquered wooden Marubon tea tray from tree cross section Mochi in black bowl with bamboo skewer beside porcelain cup of green tea on red brown wooden lacquered marubon tray Iconic orange can of Ippodo Tenka-Ichi with brown clay Yakishime Kyusu and looseleaf gyokuro on plate on wooden Marubon tray Grey stone bowl of vivid green thick matcha with Japanese green tea red beat wagashi on lacquered brown wood Marubon tray
Tea Tray

Marubon

(1)
$180
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This urushi (lacquerware) tea tray is light and sturdy. It is entirely crafted by hand to stunning detail.

Each of these trays is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. The natural grain pattern of the wood, the shape of the hand-carved spiral on the surface, and the appearance and color of the lacquer application, will vary from item to item.

Size 10.6" × 10.6" × 0.8"
Net weight12 oz (400 g)
MaterialWood (Keyaki)
OriginJapan

Made exclusively for Ippodo, this amber-brown marubon (circle tray) has been the tray we use to serve tea at our Kyoto Main Store tearoom for decades.

At home, we recommend using it for all sorts of tea occasions. When we use it to serve guests tea, its lightness and sturdiness allow us to hold several cups full of tea at once.

It’s a versatile surface with a wide, flat shape to place your tea utensils on while enjoying tea on your own. Its sides curve gently upwards, acting as an edge to prevent things from slipping off and making it easier to hold in your hands.

A subdued, but richly detailed tray, it fits in at just about any setting, with any type of teaware.

For decades, the same artisan in Kyoto has crafted this tray by hand, one-by-one, on Ippodo’s request. The lacquerware technique the artisan uses to craft this tray is called fuki-urushi. It involves carefully applying one layer of lacquer at a time, before wiping it off with a cloth. After many of layers of application, the color develops a nuanced depth to its tone. It’s a painstaking process that results in a beautiful finish.

The tradition of Japanese lacquerware (urushi) has continued for centuries. While there are many different styles of urushi, each involves taking the sap from the urushi tree, refining and treating it, and applying it to woodwork. This intensive process produces delicate, light, yet sturdy items that can be used for generations.

Marubon Tea Tray - Ippodo’s seal branded into the surface. Ippodo’s seal branded into the surface.
Marubon Tea Tray - Matches your favorite teawares. Matches your favorite teawares.
Marubon Tea Tray - Hold all your matcha utensils while preparing matcha. Hold all your matcha utensils while preparing matcha.
Marubon Tea Tray - A wide, stable surface for serving. A wide, stable surface for serving.
  • To clean wipe with a slightly damp cloth, and dry before storing.
  • Do not use soap or other agents to clean.
  • Avoid exposure to strong sunlight, extreme dryness, and extreme humidity.
  • Over years and decades of use, the tray will develop a unique patina.
  • Each handmade tray has a different appearance from the variations in lacquer application and the natural grain of the wood.

Instructions

You can prepare matcha for a number of people all at once using the Tea Bowl with Serving Spout.

1. Sift matcha
6 g (0.21 oz)
4.5 heaping tea ladles or 3 level teaspoons.
Sifting green matcha through Chakoshi tea strainer into black Ippodo Tea Bowl with Spout using Chashaku bamboo tea ladel
Sifting green matcha through Chakoshi tea strainer into black Ippodo Tea Bowl with Spout using Chashaku bamboo tea ladel
Usucha for a Group (Three Servings)
Thin Matcha
1. Sift matcha
6 g (0.21 oz)
4.5 heaping tea ladles or 3 level teaspoons.
2. Add hot water
180 mL (6 oz) 80°C (176°F)
Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80C°, then pour into tea bowl.
Pouring hot water from white porcelain teacup into black Ippodo Tea Bowl with Spout containing vibrant green sifted matcha
Pouring hot water from white porcelain teacup into black Ippodo Tea Bowl with Spout containing vibrant green sifted matcha
Usucha for a Group (Three Servings)
Thin Matcha
2. Add hot water
180 mL (6 oz) 80°C (176°F)
Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80C°, then pour into tea bowl.
3. Whisk
15 seconds
Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
Holding black ceramic tea bowl with spout whisking thin usucha Ippodo Tea Ummon matcha with Chasen bamboo 80-tip whisk
Holding black ceramic tea bowl with spout whisking thin usucha Ippodo Tea Ummon matcha with Chasen bamboo 80-tip whisk
Usucha for a Group (Three Servings)
Thin Matcha
3. Whisk
15 seconds
Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
4. Serve
Pour into cups
Divide into three cups. Enjoy!
Hand pouring bright green usucha matcha from White Tea Bowl with Serving Spout into two white espresso cups on brown saucers
Hand pouring bright green usucha matcha from White Tea Bowl with Serving Spout into two white espresso cups on brown saucers
Usucha for a Group (Three Servings)
Thin Matcha
4. Serve
Pour into cups
Divide into three cups. Enjoy!
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