Pokerwork Arts and Crafts Serving Tray

​

Although classified as an art form, this tray dating to the late 19th century (possibly tips into the first few years of the 20th) is very much a useable as well as beautiful item - as is the raison d'etre of the English Arts and Crafts movement. Pokerwork (the art of decorating wood or leather by burning a design with a heated metal point pyrography). A practical, extremely well made functional two handed tray in walnut, skilfully hand decorated in a textured pointed background with a central motif of grapes and vine in a contrasting colour. The frame and base panel are all neatly screwed in place (original brass slotted screws). The shaped wooden handles are capped and mounted in patinated brass mounts.

Size: for scale the photos have included a full size decanter and glass (not included in the sale), although this would most likely have been a tea tray or perhaps table service tray. Overall length is 46.5 cm and width 32 cm and base to top of handle 7 cm. The platen area of the tray is 42 cm by 27 cm.

Condition: In superb condition, there are no splits nor damage and the decoration is crisp and well defined, no evidence of use. The brass caps are left with used patina and are fully secure, no evidence of age or use. The underside has been varnished and has a treacle appearance (not an issue per se).