Real popular culture is folk art. Noam Chomsky

{HISTORY}

Back in the 1960's, tole style painting started popping up in all sorts of home decorating stores. Found on a variety of useful items ranging from furniture to kitchenware, this decorative art of handpainting bold and romantic florals on metal and wood fit in perfectly with the colorful decade and with carefree artistic sensibilities, making it feel both fresh and modern. But as history tells, tole painting was neither new nor modern.

Classified as folk art, this style of painting dates all the way back to Europe and Scandinavia in the 1700's and served as a popular form of storytelling while also enhancing the appearance of common everyday wares. Cabinets and chests were painted with family scenes and symbolism. Wooden objects for the kitchen were decorated with paintings of flowers from the garden. Metal boxes and bins were painted with food and fruit, birds and blossoms. Each piece was unique to the artist who painted it and divulged a little bit about their own personality or the subject in which they painted. With entrance to America by way of New England in the 1800's, this decorative art form became popular with collectors stateside, serving as sentimental reminders of their European heritage and culture. 

By the 1960's, collectors were not only interested in obtaining antique tole but also in creating new pieces in similar styles, which was when this beauty of a serving tray was created. Most often replicated were floral bouquet designs like this one featured here on metal serving trays. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Handpainted bouquet featuring ink and yellow roses, blue iris and blue phlox flowers against an ivory background and gold rim

- Unmarked on bottom

- Authentic shabby chic patina

- Contains the following colors: pink, raspberry, white, yellow, green, blue, brown, ivory, gold

{CONDITION}

Overall in lovely vintage condition. There are some various small rust spots located around the tray and scuff marks in the Iris section of the painting due to age and use. The back side contains some rusty spots under the rim and various scratch marks. None of these affect the use of the tray in anyway. It is very strong and sturdy. Please see photos for details.

{SIZE}

Measures 13.5" inches (diameter) x 1.25 (height)

{STYLE IDEA}

A gorgeous, functional piece for your cocktail cart or indoor/outdoor serving needs, this beauty also makes a lovely piece of wall art. Hang it up easily by attaching a plate hanger on the back.