Wooden Sushi Serving Boat

Borrowed from the traditional Japanese serving boat, this timber piece turns a simple plate of food into something worth looking at. The long, tapered hull with its raised prow and stern holds sushi and sashimi in a neat row, and it works just as well loaded with canapes, dumplings, cheeses or a run of sharing plates down the middle of a table. The shape does a lot of the styling work for you before you have arranged a single thing.

Three sizes are offered, and one boat is supplied per order. The small measures 33 x 15 x 6cm and suits a starter or a spread for two. The medium at 37 x 15 x 7cm handles supper for a small table. The large at 42 x 17 x 7.5cm is the one for a party, where a single centrepiece boat holds enough to keep a room grazing happily for the whole evening.

Timber serveware wants a little care in return. Wash it by hand, never in the dishwasher, and do not leave it to soak, as prolonged water will lift and warp the grain. Dry it standing up so air reaches both faces, and wipe it over with food-safe mineral oil now and then to keep the surface fed. Serve directly on the wood, or use a liner or leaf under wetter items if you prefer to keep the timber pristine.

• Timber serving boat in a traditional Japanese shape, one boat per order
• Small 33 x 15 x 6cm, medium 37 x 15 x 7cm, large 42 x 17 x 7.5cm
• For sushi, sashimi, canapes and sharing plates
• Hand wash only: never place it in the dishwasher and do not soak it
• Dry standing up so both faces air properly
• Wipe over with food-safe mineral oil from time to time
• Serve food on a liner or leaf if you prefer
• Natural timber varies in grain and tone from piece to piece