Brazilian Modern Sculptural Rosewood Serving Trey by Jac Arte, 1960s - Lot 939
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Description
Architectural lines and richly figured rosewood give this 1960s tray by Jac Arte a sculptural presence beyond its modest scale. Made in Brazil, the design brings a softly hollowed interior within a crisp rectangular outline, balancing geometric precision with the natural movement of the wood.
A broad, flat rim frames the elongated oval basin, whose rounded ends and gently sloping walls create a continuous, fluid surface. Beneath it, sharply angled exterior planes taper toward a smaller rectangular base, lending the substantial form a sense of lightness. Viewed from above, the tray emphasizes the interplay of curve and straight edge; from the side, its beveled profile reveals a more architectural character.
The rosewood is particularly expressive, with dark, sinuous grain moving through warm reddish-brown and amber tones. Beautiful aging lends the surface depth and warmth, while a gentle luster catches the contours of the basin and rim. Lighter wood along the underside adds another layer of natural variation. These details give the piece an individual character that rewards close observation.
Jac Arte belongs to the tradition of Brazilian makers who brought modernist design into everyday domestic objects. Alongside workshops such as WoodArt and Casa Finland, the firm helped translate the period’s sculptural sensibility into bowls, trays, and other useful accessories, connecting familiar craft traditions with a modern vocabulary of form. This tray expresses that contribution through its restrained geometry, tactile surfaces, and emphasis on the wood itself.
The maker’s mark remains visible underneath. Measuring 11 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 3 inches high, the tray offers a versatile accent for an entry console, coffee table, or bedside surface—holding keys, jewelry, or small personal objects, or serving as a bowl for nuts and snacks. Equally compelling left empty, it brings the material richness of Brazilian Modern design to an intimate, everyday scale.