Elegant Antique Kiln-fired Enamel Tray, Tazza or Small Compote, Cobalt Blue

Very good condition, just shy of excellent for the two or three small chips along the bottom rim, which are well noted and shown in our images. Just one drop, as it's the only spot that has suffered damage. These old kiln-fired enamels have a surface much like porcelain or glass, and are subject to chip or crack if mishandled. It is the rare piece of this type of work that has no flaws at all. we do have a master enamelist who can do restoration on this item should our buyer wish it done, but we're offering it showing the small spot for your review.

NOTE re KILN-FIRED ENAMEL: This process, which I've written about many times, is one only accomplished with the skill of years and years of practice. The enamel powders are various shades of muddy mauve, taupe, blues, not the least resembling the color they will become once the kiln melts them into the glassine or porcelain like finished product you see here. So an artist is layering on stroke after stroke, working quite literally blind as far as the colors and spacing of the finished outcome he/she hopes to achieve. It is the memory that guides the hand in this art. And subject to such whims of nature and memory, it's always amazing to me that they come out with anything but a glob. I've tried this art, myself, and believe me, it's very difficult. I mostly get globs. The nature of the process is part of the reason why these old kiln-fired objects have such a following and bring the prices they continue to bring.

Item ID: 212enmltray