A Fine Persian Handmade Decorative Wall Tray

A vintage 20th Century hand engraved tinned copper decorative wall tray. 

The decoration was achieved using meticulous hand-engraving and potentially chasing or repoussé techniques, where the design is hammered into relief. This results in a dense, all-over pattern that leaves little negative space. The main decorative motif is a rich and detailed "fauna and flora" pattern. The central field and the broad outer border are filled with a busy arrangement of birds—including what appear to be parrots or similar perching birds—interwoven with elaborate scrolling vines, leaves, and floral motifs. The outer rim is defined by a scalloped or "pie-crust" edge. These types of highly decorated metal items served a dual purpose: they were used as large serving trays for tea, coffee, or sweets, but were also commonly intended as decorative wall hangings or display pieces, often fitted with a hook on the back for that purpose.