Toleware Bread Tray 1935 - 1942

This watercolor painting by Mildred Ford, created between 1935 and 1942, depicts a toleware bread tray. Toleware, a folk art form, is characterized by the use of painted decoration on tin, and often features floral motifs like those seen here. The tray's simple form is accented by the bright, stylized flowers painted in shades of green, yellow, red, and blue against a light gray background. The artist, Mildred Ford, was a prolific creator of toleware and other decorative arts, and her work is often prized for its vibrant color and charming details. This drawing showcases the artistry of toleware and the enduring appeal of traditional craft techniques.