Gorham Copper and Silver Japanesque Tray, Providence, RI, 1882

This rare Gorham tray is made of copper with a hammered surface to resemble tree bark. A pine branch with pine needles made of copper hangs over the edge and spreads into the dish. Similarly, silver plum blossoms cascade over the edge into the dish.

An amazing, applied Japanese figure riding a water buffalo is quite striking. The male figure is carrying a basket of fruit and is playing a flute. The buffalo is quite animated with an amusing expression. 

A nearly identical tray is pictures in Gorham Silver by Carpenter (plate II, p. 152 in the reprint edition) with the pine branch executed in silver and the plum blossoms executed in copper.

The reverse is engraved 'EDWINA V. MAURICE/ FROM/ DAISY MAURICE/ CHRISTMAS 1882'. It measures 8.75 inches long by 8.25 inches wide by .75 inches high. It is in very good antique condition with uneven wear to the original patination of the copper surface.