{"product_id":"painted-tole-tray-with-exotic-birds","title":"Victorian Painted Tôle Tray with Exotic Birds","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA striking \u003cb\u003e19th-century Victorian toleware tray\u003c\/b\u003e, hand-painted in a dramatic black ground with an elaborate garden composition of \u003cb\u003eexotic long-tailed birds, a tiered classical fountain, and colorful flowers\u003c\/b\u003e, surrounded by a richly decorated gilt foliate border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe tray is constructed of \u003cb\u003epainted japanned metal\u003c\/b\u003e, characteristic of Victorian toleware. Toleware refers to decorated sheet metal—often tin-plated iron or steel—that was painted and repeatedly lacquered, or “japanned,” to create the durable, lustrous black surfaces so closely associated with 19th-century decorative metalwork. The technique developed from the European fascination with East Asian lacquer and became particularly important in the British decorative arts industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis example is especially appealing for its \u003cb\u003ehighly pictorial decoration\u003c\/b\u003e. Rather than a simple floral pattern, the central composition combines exotic birds with a classical fountain and luxuriant flowering plants, creating the effect of a miniature romantic garden scene. Comparable Victorian trays with fountain-and-bird compositions are documented in the antique market, including examples described as mid-19th-century English toleware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e c. 1840s–1870s; England.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Painted and japanned metal, toleware.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e 29\" L x 22\" W\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear to the painted and gilt decoration, including areas of rubbing, surface wear, and minor losses consistent with age and use. Please see photographs for details.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"England, 19th c.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44213376909399,"sku":null,"price":265.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0577\/3505\/3399\/files\/54_bee366be-ea92-4167-88d8-9cf1d066b072.jpg?v=1788140769","url":"https:\/\/gladysavenue.com\/products\/painted-tole-tray-with-exotic-birds","provider":"Gladys Avenue","version":"1.0","type":"link"}