Vintage Hand-Painted Floral Toleware Metal Tray

This is a vintage serving tray crafted in the traditional toleware style, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The tray is made of pressed metal (likely tin or steel) and features a distinctive 'Chippendale' or scalloped rim with an undulating, shaped border. The primary color is a deep black lacquer finish, which serves as a stark background for the hand-painted folk art floral arrangement in the center. The central motif consists of a lush bouquet featuring large roses and smaller accent flowers in shades of burgundy, cream, violet, and yellow, surrounded by muted green leaf work. A secondary decorative element includes gold gilt-painted scroll or feather highlights along the inner rim and a gold-lined edge. Looking at the construction, the metal appears medium-gauge with a rolled edge, characteristic of functional yet decorative household lacquerware. The condition shows visible signs of age and use, including surface abrasions, fine 'crazing' or age cracks in the varnish, and scattered white dust or paint speckles across the central field. There is noticeable wear and paint loss along the outer gold rim, revealing the substrate beneath. While no maker's mark is visible from this angle, the style is reminiscent of mid-century American manufacturers like Nashco or Pilgrim Art, who popularized this floral folk-art aesthetic for domestic use.