When is a tray not a tray? Perhaps when it's too beautiful to cover-up and use—like this Belgian Art Nouveau bronze tray. It was made by G. Huygens, a Belgian sculptor of Dutch ancestry. What this small tray does—superbly—is to provide a sculpted decorative accent upon a table top or low shelf. It would be useful for presenting business cards, offering small (wrapped) candies, or as a caddy for wallets and mobile phones (though I would avoid scratching it with coins or keys).
While the works of G. Huygens can be found at the occasional auction, there is a surprising lack of biography to be found about him. The lives of Constantijn Huygens (a 17th Century Dutch courtier) and his son Christiaan Huygens (the physicist) are well documented. So is the modernist painter Guy Huygens (born in 1924)—and artists François and Léon Huygens, as well. But poor "G." I don't even know his first name! But his work is clearly superb and this tray was executed beautifully. Perhaps it is more art than utensil. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.