Tray c. 1928

This tray, attributed to Robert Mallet-Stevens, is a playful exploration of form and material. Its maker clearly enjoyed the process of bringing together wood and metal, line and curve. Look at the way the sleek, reflective surfaces of the silver contrast with the warm tones of the wood. The combination of materials creates a tension, a push and pull between the industrial and the organic. Notice the individual marks and textures on the wooden handle. Each groove tells a story of the artist's hand at work, revealing the labor and care that went into its creation. The rigid geometry reminds me of Gerrit Rietveld's furniture. Both artists share a desire to reduce objects to their most basic geometric forms, stripping away ornamentation in favor of clean lines and functional design. Ultimately, this tray is more than just a utilitarian object, it’s a conversation between materials and forms, a testament to the enduring power of simple, thoughtful design.