Tray 1800 - 1810

This silver and mahogany tray was made by Charles Louis Boehme. Observe how the tray's structure juxtaposes the warm, deep tones of the mahogany with the cool, reflective silver. The smooth expanse of the wood is neatly framed by an intricate silver gallery, a repetitive motif of semi-circular cut-outs along the edge, creating a play of light and shadow. The octagonal shape, with clipped corners, softens the geometry and adds a touch of elegance. The tray engages with ideas of containment and presentation, reflecting the cultural codes of refinement and hospitality. The interplay between the materials and the structure destabilizes a purely functional object, elevating it to a statement piece. The silverwork is not merely decorative; it serves to define and emphasize the interior space, much like a frame enhances a painting. This tray is a formal study in contrasts—the organic warmth of the wood against the manufactured precision of the silver. This dialogue highlights how an object, through careful consideration of form, becomes a site of aesthetic and cultural meaning.