1960's Hungarian Modernist Copper Tray

The kind of object that makes you realise mid-century smokers were being offered considerably better tableware than the rest of us.
 
Pressed and patinated copper with a series of small relief panels running along the edge — somewhere between folk symbols, abstract geometry, and tiny architectural carvings. The centre has darkened naturally over time, while the raised copper sections have softened and brightened with handling and age.
 
Likely produced within the wider Hungarian decorative arts movement of the period, with echoes of designers such as Margit Tevan and Ildikó Szilágyi — where functional domestic objects were given just enough experimentation to stop them feeling entirely sensible.
 
Still works perfectly as an ashtray, obviously. But equally convincing holding absolutely anything else.
 
Condition: Excellent
Size: W 14.5cm x D 9cm x H 1cm