Antique Edwardian Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Classical Lady Serving Tray c1900

A beautiful and highly decorative antique wooden serving tray, believed to date from the Edwardian era, circa 1890’s - 1910’s displaying wonderful Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau influences.


The centrepiece is an elegant classical female portrait shown in profile, reminiscent of an antique cameo or Classical Revival medallion. The portrait is framed by an elaborate arrangement of flowers, trailing leaves and naturalistic foliage, creating a particularly striking composition.


The flowing botanical forms have a distinctly Art Nouveau character, while the emphasis on natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and hand-worked decoration is wonderfully evocative of the Arts & Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century.


The decoration has been worked directly into the wooden surface, with an exceptionally detailed dark textured background contrasting beautifully with the warm golden tones of the portrait and surrounding flowers and foliage. The amount of fine detail is particularly impressive when viewed closely.


The decorative panel sits within a substantial rich reddish-brown moulded wooden surround, with gently rounded corners and a lovely deep patina developed through age.


Completing the design are a pair of handsome turned wooden carrying handles with dark metal fittings, which appear entirely in keeping with the age and character of the tray.


The combination of the classical portrait, Art Nouveau floral design and Arts & Crafts workmanship makes this a particularly appealing example of early 20th-century decorative woodwork.


It is beautiful enough to be appreciated simply as a piece of decorative art and would look superb displayed on a dresser, sideboard or table in an Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Edwardian or period interior.


Measures approx 48 x 32cm