Israeli Judaica Decorative Tray, Mid-20th Century. Circular metal decorative tray, Israel, mid-20th century. The wide rim is formed as a continuous band of pierced Hebrew lettering, interspersed with small figural silhouettes integrated directly into the text. The figures—shown in active, expressive poses—animate the inscription and visually link word and image.
The Hebrew text runs uninterrupted around the circumference, functioning as both inscription and structure. While stylized and cut as openwork rather than engraved, it reads as a biblical or moral verse, intended to be read circumferentially rather than frontally. This integration of Hebrew text, figural imagery, and sculptural form reflects the Bezalel-influenced aesthetic that dominated Israeli decorative arts of the 1950s–1960s.
The interior surface is intentionally unillustrated, finished with a dense, abstract hand-worked texture that contrasts with the graphic clarity of the rim. This treatment reinforces the piece's purpose as a display object or wall plaque, rather than a functional serving tray.
The reverse bears a clearly struck "Made in Israel" stamp, with riveted construction consistent with Israeli workshop production of the period. No individual artist mark is present.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
Judaica
