Large Art Nouveau tray with crystal bowls

Silver-plated serving basket, likely WMF, circa 1910

Elegant Art Nouveau serving basket made of silver-plated metal with a handle and four removable glass inserts made of cut crystal. In its ornamentation and proportions, the piece demonstrates the transition from the floral Art Nouveau style to the clearer design language of the early 20th century.

The finely openwork rim with its rhythmic arcade motif and stylized floral elements is characteristic of the designs of the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) – one of the leading manufacturers of silver-plated tableware and decorative objects of the time.

The precise craftsmanship, with regularly placed rivets and clean edges, is typical of WMF's industrial mass production.

The combination of openwork ornamentation, delicate floral rhythm, and a clear, oval shape can be found in several WMF catalogs between 1906 and 1914, mostly in serving baskets and candy dishes with glass inserts. Another indicator of the WMF type is the oval, slightly curved center bar of the handle with its reserved monogram field.

A stylish example of German silver and metalwork from around 1910, impressively reflecting the elegance and formal refinement of late Art Nouveau.