Mid-Century Enamel on Copper Tray Rooster & Hen Design Signed Brower c1950s

This vibrant mid-century enamel on copper tray, hand-signed Brower, captures the playful yet modern spirit of the 1950s–60s studio craft movement. Featuring a stylised rooster and hen in striking red and black silhouettes, the design sits against a textured crackle-effect background in misted white, framed by rich green enamel edges.

-

The tray demonstrates the classic vitreous enamel technique, where powdered glass is carefully sifted onto a copper base and then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. The firing process fuses the glass to the metal, creating a glossy, durable surface with brilliant, long-lasting colour. To protect the copper and ensure balance, the reverse is counter-enameled in teal — a hallmark of quality studio enamelling. Natural variations such as pinpricks, faint speckles, and fine crackle lines are all characteristic of hand-crafted enamels, adding authenticity and charm.

-

These small enamel trays were popular in the post-war period as decorative yet functional art objects, often used as trinket dishes, ashtrays, or simply as display pieces. Today, they are highly collectible among lovers of mid-century modern décor, with the rooster motif in particular appealing to folk art enthusiasts and retro kitchenware collectors.

-

This example, with its clear Brower signature, is part of a documented but little-researched body of work attributed to a studio enameller active in the United States during the mid-20th century. Each signed tray is unique, reflecting the individuality of the enamelling process.

---

Dimensions

Approx: 20cm x 15cm]

---

Condition

Glossy and vibrant overall

Minor edge rubbing and tiny kiln pinpricks, consistent with handmade enamelware

No cracks or repairs

---

Key Features

Signed “Brower” (studio enameller, USA, c.1950s–60s)

Vitreous enamel fused to copper using traditional kiln-fired technique

Counter-enamelled reverse in teal/green for durability and stability

Bold rooster and hen motif in red and black with crackle glaze background

Decorative yet functional — ideal as a trinket tray or display piece

Collectible mid-century modern design object