Vintage Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Large (15-1/2" d.)Wooden Tray or Batea, Olinala State, Mexico, ca. 1940-1970's
This beautiful hand-carved and hand-painted tray, shallow bowl, or batea is a traditional folk art product of Olinala State in Central Mexico and is generally called lacquerware because of the complicated process of priming and polishing used in preparation for the painted decoration. This example has exceptionally vibrant, high quality painted floral decoration and is larger than most with a 15-1/2" diameter (across). It has the usual low upturned sides with a flat rim which, in this case, is nicely painted. The back of the bowl shows the typical adze sculpted surface with its deep red sizing or primer.
This type of bowl is particularly well suited to wall display using a variety of sizes to create a visually exciting grouping. For reference, see: D. McMenamin.1996. Popular Arts of Mexico 1850-1950, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., See Chapter 8, p ages 162-73 and 218.
Condition: Very Good. No cracks or repairs. The brilliant paint has very minor losses and wear plus a tiny round hole from a hanger in a small blue petal at the top of the bowl near the rim (see photos).
Dimensions: 15-1/2" diameter; 1-5/8" deep
NOTE: This item cannot be shipped to a PO Box. Buyers wishing to “buy it now” or “best offer” must alter their shipping address to a street address for delivery.