Leaf-shaped Wooden Tray

It was designed by Emile Gallé and manufactured by Etablissement Gallé. It is dated ca. 1890 and we acquired it in 1985. Its medium is walnut, various wood inlays. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The Furniture Journal of October 10, 1904 reported that, with respect to his work in wood, Gallé believed in copying trees, leaves, and flowers in detail. The article states, “In the course of a morning walk he may be struck by the branch of a tree, or a chance grace in a blossom. The design follows at once, and in the woods which appear in some of the decorative panels by this great French master.” Gallé featured the visual qualities of many different woods through his work with inlay

It is credited Museum purchase from General Acquisition Endowment.