{HISTORY}

So unique in shape, design, and color palette, this handpainted tole tray is a beautiful one-of-a-kind example of a domestic art that has been around for centuries in America. Combining both Country Painting and French tole-style designs, it's difficult to pinpoint the age of this tray since it incorporates so many classic hallmarks of toleware painting practiced from the 1800s-1950s. 

The berries reflect country painting - a style of decorative art painted on tin that was made popular by tinsmiths in the New England and mid-Atlantic states. The floral design features loaded brush-style strokes which was a popular technique utilized especially during the 1940s and 1950s. Of further interest is the large scalloped edge, a design that is somewhat similar to early American Chippendale-style tray tables but with a more primitive approach.  

Sized at 17.5" inches and weighing in at just over 2 lbs, it's a substantial tray for serving purposes or decorative display. Colors include teal, marigold, tomato red, peacock, olive, lime green, chocolate brown, peach, navy blue, seafoam, and ivory against a traditional black background.  

With an aged aesthetic, a bit of color staining, and some authentic wear and tear, it's a beautiful example of the history of toleware and its unique aesthetic when it comes to decorative arts. As both a professional and amateur art form, so many toleware paintings were executed on repurposed antique or vintage domestic accessories often made of wood or tin. Boxes, canisters, jugs, vanity mirrors, trays, cups, and vases were all viewed as blank "canvases" for tole painting. In that regard, it's possible that this tray was made first and was repainted years or decades later in the tole manner.  That would explain the tray's rare and unusual shape and the inability to attribute this piece to one specific era.  

And that bit of mystery is precisely what makes this tray a unique marvel. Collectors of tole ware will love it for its unique shape alone, while decorators and home entertainers will love it for its warm, vibrant color palette and purposeful intentions. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Rare shape
• Handpainted
• Large size

{CONDITION}

There is some light surface wear in a few small scratches on the front of the tray and two moderate scratches (measuring 2" inches in length) on the back of the tray near a small dent that measures 1/2" inch in length. There is some color fading/staining on the front below the peach mum, some paint chipping on the peach mum and some paint chipping on the teal flowers to the right of the mum. These paint chippings are not very noticeable unless very closely inspected as they give these two sets of flowers more of a gossamer effect.  Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 17.5" inches in diameter and weighs 2.1 lbs.