He who knows how to savor will no longer drink wine but rather taste secrets. Salvador Dali

{HISTORY}

A beauty in color, composition and execution, this antique porcelain tray was made around the turn of the 20th century by Jean Pouyet Limoges in France and handpainted by Annie May Seymour. Featuring abundant clusters of purple and green grapes hanging from a vine, the watercolor interpretation of this scene is a true stunner. 

With both colorful, deliberate and barely-there nuances, the grapes float in and out of focus adding depth and multiple layers to a pastel landscape that is both dreamy and nostalgic. Like some sort of fanciful whisperings from a story long ago or those savory secrets that Dali referred to in the quote above, this antique tray definitely has some things to say.

Gold details accentuate the overall shape and design both in the center and along the edge adding decadent and luxurious style.  Acting as both an art piece and a functional item, this tray is lovely for bar cart service or wall display. It's ample size can hold up to 10 wine glasses but also functions well as a tea tray or food server.

Now considered a fine art form, paintings on porcelain were first successfully executed in China over a dozen centuries ago. As porcelain dishware began to become a trade commodity throughout the world, different countries brought about their own unique design aesthetics. By the time this style of art landed itself in America and Europe in the 1850's, it was considered high art and one of the most prized feminine talents a woman could possess.That has our imagination fired up here in the Vintage Kitchen about this certain Annie May Seymour, who painted all these beautiful grapes. Clearly, she had a lot of talent and that has us wondering all about her... what she looked like, where she lived, what else she painted, what her life looked like. As you can see, this is a practical serving tray, but it is also a daydream and a discovery and a platter of interesting possibilities from history past!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

-Handpainted and signed by the artist

- Contains the following colors - celery green, avocado green, blueberry, lavender , beige, gold sky blue, pastel blue pale teal, orange, peach, apricot, white lime green , purple, brown, grey and gold

- Grapevine design

 - Please note: this tray is not stamped with the JP Limoges mark but after much research we are confident that it is part of the JP collection as it is matches signed pieces in both shape, size and imagery

{CONDITION}

In beautiful antique condition. No chips or cracks.

{SIZE}

Measures 15.75" inches (width)  x 12.5" inches" (length) x 5" inches (height)

{STYLE IDEA}

Looking for more vineyard inspired style? Find more grape-themed treasures here.