This ceramic tray is part of Jo Davies’ Unique Objects range, decorated with abstract splashes of cobalt blue oxide fired into the surface and 24ct goldleaf added after firing using traditional gilding techniques. There is only one of these items, a truly one-off piece.

A round flat porcelain tray with a gently undulating edge and practical pouring-lip that’s visually arresting, this Blue and Gold iteration of the Tea Set tray can be displayed horizontally but may be preferred as a wall piece, an unusual decorative plate. The gilding is stabilised using traditional shellac but is not designed to withstand excessive use so should be treated carefully.

The tray design was originally developed as part of Jo Davies’ Chinese Tea Set and the blue and gold surface treatment was also developed separately in response to the use of cobalt in Ming Dynasty porcelain. In this piece these parallel developments have been married to create something new.

As with all items in the entire range, this piece is hand-thrown on the wheel by Jo Davies and glazed with tactile, satin-matt stoneware crackle glaze in white, with cobalt and goldleaf decorative surface decoration.

The Chinese Tea Set was Jo Davies’ response to the wonderfully diverse tea sets she encountered while taking tea on a 2018 trip to Jingdezhen - the home of Chinese porcelain. The Set reflects both the Western and Eastern traditions and rituals of tea drinking, bringing together divergent ideas of form and function in a set that unmistakably carries the unique Jo Davies aesthetic. Created to celebrate the eclectic and traditional tea sets used in daily life in China, you are invited to choose matching or complementary coloured elements in creating your own set.

Size:

Dia. 31 x H. 1.7cm