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Vintage Chinese Engraved Brass Trays – Set of 2 – Intricate Figural & Floral Designs
A beautiful pair of vintage Chinese decorative metal trays, featuring exceptionally intricate engraved designs, traditional figural scenes, elaborate floral ornamentation, and distinctive finely notched scalloped edges.
Offered together as a coordinating set of two different sizes, these attractive vintage trays showcase highly detailed decorative metalwork and traditional Chinese-inspired artistry.
Both pieces are stamped “MADE IN CHINA” on the reverse.
Exceptional Engraving & Decorative Details
What makes these trays particularly appealing is the remarkable amount of fine detail covering their surfaces.
Each tray features its own unique engraved figural composition, depicting figures in traditional Chinese-style clothing within decorative landscape and garden settings.
Although the two trays share a coordinating ornamental style, their central illustrations are different, giving each piece its own individual character.
The engraving incorporates an elaborate combination of decorative techniques and patterns, including:
* Delicate human figures with finely outlined facial features, clothing, and flowing robes.
* Intricate floral and botanical motifs surrounding the central scenes.
* Numerous decorative floral medallions and ornamental borders.
* Extremely fine linear engraving, closely spaced parallel lines, and detailed crosshatched patterns.
* Dense stippled and small circular textures filling many sections of the designs.
* Carefully detailed architectural and landscape elements.
The exceptionally fine engraved linework and textured decoration give these pieces the appearance of traditional hand-worked metal artistry. The exact engraving method has not been independently verified.
Distinctive Finely Notched Scalloped Edges
One of the most distinctive features of these trays is their unusual decorative rim construction.
Unlike many similar Chinese brass trays with relatively smooth scalloped edges, these examples feature repeated tiny notches and grooves running along the scalloped outer rims.
Each curved, petal-like section is further embellished with small individual indentations, creating an attractive finely textured, almost serrated appearance.
The rims are not plain or smooth. This additional decorative detailing is an important visual feature that distinguishes these trays from many more simply finished examples.
Their raised, shaped rims complement the elaborate engraving and give the trays a substantial, decorative appearance.
Vintage Character & Collectible Appeal
These trays have a warm golden-brass appearance with naturally developed darker areas, surface patina, and oxidation consistent with their existing vintage condition.
The combination of their substantial weight, finely detailed engraved surfaces, different figural scenes, and unusual notched scalloped borders makes them appealing examples of decorative Chinese metalware.
They would make attractive additions to collections of:
* Vintage Chinese decorative metalware
* Engraved and chased brass-style trays
* Asian-inspired decorative arts
* Figural and floral metalwork
* Vintage collectible serving and display trays
They may also be displayed as decorative centerpiece trays, on shelves, cabinets, or as part of an Asian-inspired interior collection.
Measurements & Weight
Larger Tray:
* Diameter: Approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm)
* Weight: 3 lb 3.6 oz (approximately 1,463 g)
Smaller Tray:
* Diameter: Approximately 11 1/4 inches (28.6 cm)
* Weight: 1 lb 10.5 oz (approximately 751 g)
Combined Weight of Both Trays:
* 4 lb 14.3 oz (approximately 2,220 g), as displayed when weighed together on the digital scale.
Raised rim height shown in the side-view photograph: approximately 0.8 inch (2 cm).
Measurements are approximate and based on the measuring-tape photographs. Individual and combined weights are reproduced from the respective digital-scale readings.
Origin & Material
* Country of Origin: China
* Markings: Both trays stamped MADE IN CHINA
* Material: Brass-appearing copper-alloy metal; believed to be brass, but not independently tested
* Style: Vintage Chinese decorative metalwork
* Design: Engraved figural scenes, floral motifs, and finely textured ornamental borders
* Edge Design: Raised, scalloped, finely notched and grooved
* Quantity: Two coordinating trays with different engraved designs
* Exact production date and manufacturer: Unknown
Condition – Please Read Carefully
Both trays are offered in vintage pre-owned condition, with visible age-related wear and imperfections.
Their surfaces show areas of patina, discoloration, dark spots, scratches, and greenish oxidation, as visible in the photographs.
Important disclosure regarding the rim construction:
Both trays have a localized area where the joint between the raised scalloped rim and the tray body has opened or separated slightly.
* On one tray, the opening is smaller.
* On the other tray, the opening is somewhat more noticeable.
* These separations are limited to particular sections and do not extend around the entire circumference of either tray.
Close-up photographs are provided to show the condition and construction details.
These vintage pieces are being sold in their existing condition, including the visible wear, oxidation, and localized rim separations.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
A Distinctive Pair for Display or Collection
With their contrasting engraved scenes, elaborate floral decorations, unusually detailed notched scalloped rims, and substantial metal construction, these two vintage Chinese trays offer beautiful decorative character.
Both trays are included in this listing and are being sold together as one set.
An attractive choice for collectors of vintage Chinese brass-style metalware, traditional Asian decorative arts, and finely engraved ornamental trays.
