The Folk-Painted Tray Table
One celebrates: folk colour, now a table
A rural North Indian wooden tray, painted with radiating floral geometry in coral, indigo, turmeric and faded green, raised on stout rustic supports and reimagined by Udhbava as a low centre or corner table.
Product OverView
Folk Vitality, Given a New Use
This remarkable rural North Indian wooden tray was likely once used in a traditional home, for ceremonial presentation, festive offerings, grain sorting or community dining. Udhbava has reimagined it as a statement centre or corner table with extraordinary character.
It carries the atmosphere of old havelis, festive courtyards and handcrafted domesticity. Paired with its quieter companion, the Inscribed Stone Tray Table, it shows two sides of one idea: objects that are not merely decorative, but storied. This one celebrates colour, folk vitality and abundance.
Its appeal lies in the honesty of its history. The tray was made for use, painted to celebrate and handled over many years, and Udhbava has kept those layers visible instead of restoring them away. As a centre table, it brings colour and festivity to a living room. In a corner, it can hold lamps, flowers or offerings, much as it may once have done in its first home.
Product Details
Design Details
A Mandala in Coral, Indigo and Turmeric
The surface carries a vivid, hand-painted floral geometry that radiates outward like a ceremonial rangoli or a temple-ceiling motif. It is layered in coral reds, indigo blues, turmeric yellows and faded vegetal greens. The distressed patina, worn edges and uneven brushwork are what make it evocative: lived craftsmanship, not factory perfection. Raised on stout rustic supports, the tray gains sculptural presence as well as warmth.
Raw Material & Craftsmanship
Painted Wood, Worn by Use
The piece keeps the hand of its original painter and the marks of years of use. Rather than restoring the surface to newness, Udhbava preserves its patina and worn edges, and raises the tray on rustic supports so it can serve a contemporary home. The beauty of imperfection is kept intact as the object takes on its new role.
VISUAL GALLERY
Different Spaces.
One Timeless Creation.
Create with Udhbava
Bring Heritage into Your Everyday
Many Udhbava pieces can be made again with your home, your collection and your story in mind. Where the craft and the material allow, details such as size, wood tone, finish, motif or configuration can be adapted to suit your space.
You can also bring us something you already cherish, such as an heirloom, a family textile or a piece of old furniture, and we will explore what it might become.
Let’s Connect With Us
UDHBAVA CONVERSATIONS
Story Of Prabhavali
Essays on craftsmanship, material culture, traditional Indian aesthetics and the objects we live with. You’ll also find conversations with the clients, collectors, artisans and collaborators who shape the studio’s work.
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Stories Behind the Work
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October 16, 2026
FAQ’s
Questions, Answered
A few things worth knowing before you choose, commission or gift a piece from Udhbava.
Is every Udhbava piece handmade?
Yes. Every creation is handcrafted with care and attention to detail. Many pieces are made in limited quantities, and some involve artisan-led production, from hand-carving and hand-painting to embroidery and silk inlay.
Why might my piece look slightly different from the photographs?
Because each piece is made by hand, often from old wood, vintage textiles or natural materials, slight variations in colour, texture, finish or appearance are natural. Grain, patina and the marks of the hand are part of the character of an artisan-made object. They are not defects.
What materials do you work with?
The studio works mainly with heritage and natural materials. These include century-old and reclaimed Burma teak, rosewood, tea tree wood and padauk, marble, granite, brass and glass, and vintage Kanchipuram and Banaras silks. For Sutra, the fabrics are linen, hemp linen and handwoven cotton. Each product page lists the materials used for that piece.
Is the piece I see available to order?
As our products are handcrafted and produced in limited quantities, availability may change without prior notice. Some pieces, particularly in Udhbava Reclaimed and the carved tables, are one of a kind. Use Enquire Now on any product page to check current availability.
Can I commission a piece similar to one I see here?
Yes. Select Commission a Similar Piece on the product page and share what you have in mind. Where a piece is one of a kind, such as a reclaimed table or a carved tea tree table, we can discuss creating something in the same spirit. The exact result will depend on the materials available.
Can you work with an heirloom, fabric or piece of furniture I already own?
Often, yes. Bespoke work at Udhbava begins with a simple invitation: bring us what you cherish. An old piece of furniture or a family sari, for instance, can be repurposed into a silk-inlaid tray. Tell us about what you have, and we will discuss what it might become.
Do you take gifting and corporate orders?
Yes. Pieces from Udhbava Gifting, such as our teak and silk coasters, have been made in curated sets for events and selected as corporate gifts for Diwali. Get in touch with the quantity and occasion, and we will discuss what is possible.
How do I place an order?
Our website is a place to explore the work; orders are not placed or paid for online. Select Enquire Now on the piece you love, and we will get in touch to confirm availability, price, shipping charges and payment details. Your order is processed once payment is confirmed.
How long will my order take?
Orders are processed after payment is confirmed. Because many pieces are handmade or made to order, processing times depend on availability, customisation and production schedules. Where applicable, we will share an estimated dispatch timeline during the order process.
Can I return or exchange a piece?
Due to the handcrafted and limited-edition nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, personal preference, or natural variations from the handmade process. If your piece arrives damaged or is not what you ordered, please notify us within 48 hours of delivery. See our Returns & Refunds Policy for details.
Are commissioned or customised pieces returnable?
Customised, personalised, commissioned and made-to-order pieces are non-refundable and non-returnable unless they arrive damaged or incorrect.
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