Antique Hand-Hammered Copper Tray, Geometric Design, India, 1940s

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Description

A handsome vintage Asian hand-hammered copper tray, dating to approximately the 1940s, distinguished by its warm polished surface and large … Read more A handsome vintage Asian hand-hammered copper tray, dating to approximately the 1940s, distinguished by its warm polished surface and large central elephant motif.

Measuring an impressive 20.5 inches in diameter, the circular tray has been worked by hand with traditional hammering and repoussé-style decoration. Concentric bands of geometric ornament frame the central elephant, creating a strong, symmetrical composition and emphasizing the craftsmanship of the metalwork.

The elephant has long held an important place in the decorative traditions and symbolism of many Asian cultures, where it can be associated with strength, wisdom, longevity, protection and good fortune. Here, the animal becomes the visual centerpiece of the design, giving the tray considerably more character than a conventional geometric copper charger.

The hand-worked copper bowl surface has a rich, luminous quality, with subtle variations and irregularities characteristic of individually crafted metalwork. Its polished finish catches the light beautifully while retaining the warmth and depth associated with aged copper.

Originally conceived as a large decorative tray or charger, the piece is particularly versatile in a contemporary interior. The large copper bowl can be displayed flat on a large coffee table, ottoman or console, incorporated into a collection of Asian and ethnographic objects, or displayed vertically as wall art. A hook is already fitted to the reverse for hanging, making it especially effective as a sculptural wall plaque, bowl.

Its combination of substantial scale, figurative decoration and handcrafted surface makes it an attractive example of mid-20th-century Asian decorative metalwork, equally suited to an eclectic collector's interior or a restrained contemporary setting where the aged copper provides warmth and texture.

Good vintage condition with appropriate surface variation and wear consistent with age and handcrafted construction.

Dimensions: 20.5 in. diameter × 3 in. deep
Date: circa 1940s
Material: Copper
Techniques: Hand-hammered, repoussé / embossed decoration, polished
Style: Asian / Folk Art / Ethnographic
Use: Decorative tray, charger, wall plaque or wall sculpture

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