Tamaru carried in a tray holding a pot of herbal tea

[suprunp]

Tamaru carried in a tray holding a pot of herbal tea and proceeded to fill two elegant cups.
(H. Murakami; 1Q84)

Is this the tray that holds a pot of herbal tea?

Thanks.

[5jj]

It would seem so. I'd say 'Tamaru carried a pot of herbal tea on a tray' to be clear.

[suprunp]

Is it possible that he carried the tray in one hand and the pot in another?

(Even though I'm not familiar with 'trays-and-pots' things I can hardly imagine this.)

Thanks.

[5jj]

It's possible, but unlikely, I think.

He might be carrying this: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl...:429,r:10,s:24