Edwardian Framed Needlepoint Serving Tray

This rectangular serving tray features a detailed needlepoint or petit point panel encased under glass. The needlework depicts a pastoral or garden scene with two figures, likely a woman and a child, dressed in early 20th-century attire. The textile exhibits a muted, sepia-toned color palette of creams, browns, and blacks, which is indicative of significant age and light exposure. The frame is constructed from dark-stained wood with decorative beaded molding along the inner edge. It is equipped with two lateral metal handles featuring turned wooden grips, designed for utility. The condition shows visible signs of wear consistent with an antique piece: the wooden frame has several scuffs, finish loss, and minor chips, while the wooden handles show signs of frequent use with worn lacquer. The needlework panel appears slightly yellowed with age, and there are small gaps visible where the fabric meets the frame. This piece reflects a style popular in the early 1900s, where domestic handicrafts were integrated into functional household items. The craftsmanship of the needlepoint displays tight, uniform stitching, suggesting a high degree of skill in its creation.