1960s - 1970s Vintage Chinese Enamel Trays on sale

Item Specifics
Illustration: Sparrow on branch with Chrysanthemums and Bamboo
In Chinese culture, the sparrow is a symbol of spring and happiness. It is paired here with chrysanthemums flowers and bamboo which are associated with longevity, integrity and wealth.
Shape: Round, flat tray
Colour: White
Dimensions: 30cm (diameter) x 3.5cm (depth)
Year: 1979
Quantity: Only 1 available
Condition: Used, with visible blemishes

Item Specifics
Illustration: Magpie with Lantern (SOLD OUT)
The Chinese character painted on the lantern (双喜）is a symbol for marriage. It is paired here with a magpie among plum blossoms to wish someone marital joy and many good wishes.
Shape: Round, flat tray
Colour: White
Dimensions: 30cm (diameter) x 3.5cm (depth)
Year: 1963
Quantity: Only 1 available
Condition: Used, minimal blemishes

Item Specifics
Illustration: Badminton Racquet with Flowers
Badminton is a Chinese dominated sport established in the country since 1956. It is a much beloved sport in the country having produced many national heroes that have gain world wide recognition. Chinese characters (友谊) symbolise friendship and camaraderie. Use of Chinese peony flowers impart love and happiness.
Shape: Round, flat tray
Colour: White with pink rim
Dimensions: on sale 32.3cm (diameter) x 4.0cm (depth)
Year: 1974
Quantity: Only 1 available
Condition: Used, minimal blemishes

Item Specifics
Illustration: Bamboo
Bamboo painting symbolises tolerance and open-mindedness. The flexibility and strength of the bamboo stalk also represents the human values of cultivation and integrity in which one yields but does not break.
Shape: Round, flat tray
Colour: Green and white
Dimensions: 30cm (diameter) x 3cm (depth)
Year: 1965
Quantity: Only 1 available
Condition: Used, with visible blemishes

Enamel products used to play an important role in the daily life of the Chinese people. For decades since the 1920s to the early 1980s enamel products were used by every household from wash basins to cups, lampshades, spitting pots, serving trays, pot and pans and even the humble rice bowl. They became the perfect instrument for spreading political propaganda such which gives some enamel products an obvious imprint of the times and historical period. Not all enamel products carried these messages, many simply using illustrations of flowers, birds, scenery and sports as decorative patterns.

Entering the 21st century, enamel products have almost completely disappeared from the Chinese way of life, no longer a daily necessity but only as a cultural symbol, preserved in the collective memories of people who used to depend on them for daily tasks. The continuous improvement of China's industrial and manufacturing sector has contributed to this decline, as have the influx of cheap porcelain goods and metal products.

Buyer Information:
Each vintage piece sold by The Great Indoors has been carefully handpicked and may carry its own characteristic set of blemishes after having endured the passage of time.

The availability of these vintage pieces are extremely limited and we hope you will care for them as much as we have.