WMF, "Wayter - tray," Circa: 1900.

This elegant tray is a famous "Art Nouveau" masterpiece.

It was designed by the influential sculptor/designer Albert Mayer for the well known German firm WMF. The Würtembergische MetalwarenFabrik was, around 1900, the world's largest producer and exporter of household metalware, mainly in the JUGENDSTIL style.

Albert Mayer was the head of the WMF Art Studio during the latter years of the 19th century and the years leading up to 1914. Mayer specialized in designs which depicted beautiful maidens & nymphs with flowing hair and graceful postures.

This item is illustrated at page 189 of the original "The Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork Catalogue" from W.M.F. as model N° 545.
In the picture you can see the original design illustrated in the catalogue.

The reproduction of this work is hand-made in Britannia metal as the original and has the same size and finish.
Britannia metal is a pewter-type alloy favoured for its silvery appearance and smooth surface. The composition is 93% tin, 5% antimony, and 2% copper.