The Erina C. Aylward Barre(1903-1990) Vermont Hand-Painted Toleware Gallery Tray

Details

Description

29”x 22"x 1 1/2”

This expansive toleware tray serves as a striking testament to the mid-century American folk-art revival, seamlessly … Read more 29”x 22"x 1 1/2”

This expansive toleware tray serves as a striking testament to the mid-century American folk-art revival, seamlessly blending the utility of metalware with the refined artistry of traditional decorative painting. Hand-finished by Erina C. Aylward, a dedicated practitioner within the Vermont guild tradition, the piece transcends its functional origins to exist as a sophisticated canvas of New England craftsmanship. Operating out of Barre, Aylward belonged to a localized movement of highly skilled decorative artists who transformed the granite-mining region into a surprising pocket of delicate ornamental craft. As a member of the Society of Vermont Craftsmen during its mid-century peak, she played a vital role in elevating rural handiwork to the status of fine art, often exhibiting her meticulous floral work at prestigious regional craft fairs and heritage exhibitions.

The design is anchored by a dramatic japanned black lacquer ground, which provides a high-contrast stage for a lush, asymmetrical botanical composition. Aylward’s mastery is evident in the vibrant spray of roses and daisies rendered in a warm autumnal palette of burnt orange, ochre, and golden yellow. The execution utilizes the classic one-stroke technique, a method where multiple pigments are loaded onto a single brush to create immediate depth and shadow in a fluid motion. Framing this central floral display is a delicate, hand-applied gilt filigree that traces the tray’s architectural scalloped gallery rim. While much of the toleware from this era was mass-produced by large commercial firms, this specific tray is distinguished by its rare and clear provenance.

The hand-signed reverse marking its origin in Barre, Vermont, points to the boutique studio tradition of the 1940s and 50s when Aylward was most active. At a time when the Colonial Revival style dominated the American interior, she preserved eighteenth-century traditions for a discerning clientele who valued the hand of the artist over industrial uniformity. Her work was highly regarded for its precision, leading her to become a respected instructor of the craft, passing down these theorem-style techniques to a new generation of New England artisans. The piece retains its original oil-based pigments and lacquer, exhibiting a fine, naturally occurring crazing. This delicate surface patina authenticates its age and lends a soulful, historic character to the work. Measuring twenty-nine inches wide by twenty-two inches deep, this commanding statement piece captures a unique intersection of mid-century domesticity and heritage Vermont decorative arts.

Vermont

1940s - 1950s See less