This is one of those pieces that immediately stops people in their tracks because it refuses to fit neatly into one category.
Is it art? Is it advertising? Is it decor? Is it a conversation starter that makes someone ask, "Wait...what IS that?" Yes. All of the above.
This antique decorative tin tray features an elegant portrait of a woman surrounded by an incredibly detailed Art Nouveau-inspired border in muted gold tones with jewel-like accents. On the back is an advertising imprint for The Kuntz-Remmler Co., 299-305 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, giving it a wonderful piece-of-history appeal that collectors absolutely love.
We especially adore that it isn't pristine. Hear me out. The age spots, wear, scratches, and patina aren't flaws to erase—they're evidence that this piece actually lived a life before landing here. Somewhere along the way, someone decided this beautiful promotional piece deserved to be kept rather than discarded, and honestly, we're grateful they did.
At approximately 10 inches in diameter, it's the perfect size to display on a plate stand, layer into a gallery wall, style on a bookshelf, or tuck into a vintage-inspired office, library, or dressing room.
This is exactly the kind of piece that gives a room personality. Anyone can buy mass-produced wall decor. Fewer people can say, "Oh that? It's an antique Chicago advertising tray featuring a mysterious Edwardian woman who has survived more than a century."
She's earned the right to be a little dramatic.
