Brass Peach-Form Nut Dish or Catchall
Decorative Object / Hollowware Dish · Unknown manufacturer; likely an unbranded mid-20th-century decorative import. Often associated with mass-produced decor from Korea or Hong Kong sold in department stores.
Pattern: Peach / Botanical Figural Pattern. Not part of a titled silver flatware collection.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware Dish
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; likely an unbranded mid-20th-century decorative import. Often associated with mass-produced decor from Korea or Hong Kong sold in department stores.
Material
Brass (Copper-Zinc Alloy). Note: This is not silver. The yellow-gold hue indicates a base metal composition without silver plating or sterling content.
Dimensions
Estimated size: 6-8 inches in length. Standard weight for cast brass, approximately 200-400 grams.
Description
A charming figural brass dish modeled in the shape of a peach. The bowl is split by a central ridge to mimic the fruit's cleavage, leading up to a decorative pierced stem and leaf. The warm golden tone makes it a popular choice for vintage 'Hollywood Regency' style home decor.
Key Features
Figural peach shape, pierced stem handle, solid brass construction, and a lack of silver-specific hallmarks.
Material & Composition
Brass (Copper-Zinc Alloy). Note: This is not silver. The yellow-gold hue indicates a base metal composition without silver plating or sterling content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished brass finish with a natural patina. The form features a molded peach shape with an integrated leaf and stem motif at the top.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. Likely stamped 'BRASS' or 'MADE IN KOREA' on the underside, which is characteristic of this decorative genre.
Construction Details
Sand-cast or die-cast brass. The piece shows characteristic thickness and molded edges typical of industrial metal casting rather than hand-wrought silver work.
Functional Features
Open concave bowl for holding small items; integrated stem serves as a decorative handle or hang-hole.
Handle & Grip Details
Stylized leaf and stem handle, cast as a single piece with the body of the dish.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade casting. The edges are somewhat blunt and the interior reveals minor casting flaws, typical of high-volume decorative production.
Authentication Indicators
The golden-yellow color and lack of silver marks immediately identify this as brass rather than silver or vermeil. The weight and casting seams are consistent with decorative brassware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in East Asia (Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong) for the Western export market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1970). Fits within the Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century eclectic interior design style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s. The style and construction reflect the boom in decorative brass household items from this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war trend of global manufacturing and the popularization of 'shabby chic' and 'Hollywood Regency' aesthetics in domestic middle-class interiors.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratching, pitting in the crevices (near the center seam), and uneven oxidation/tarnish consistent with use as a nut dish or key tray.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a brass-specific polish like Brasso or Wright's Brass Polish. Avoid abrasive pads which will scratch the soft metal; dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Vintage silver-plated peach dishes (which would show white metal wear) or solid sterling figural dishes by Tiffany or Buccellati (which would be significantly more detailed and hallmarked).
Interesting Facts
Fruit-shaped brass objects became highly collectible in the mid-20th century as affordable 'entry-level' antiques for suburban homes.