Michael Aram Anemone Collection Silver-Plate and Gold-Tone Serving Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Vanity Tray) · Michael Aram, an American-born artist who works in New Delhi, known for his unique metalworking techniques that merge traditional craftsmanship with organic contemporary design.
Pattern: Anemone Collection; first introduced in the mid-2010s. This series is inspired by the anemone flower, often associated with protection and anticipation, and remains a staple in the brand's luxury home offerings.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Vanity Tray)
Maker
Michael Aram, an American-born artist who works in New Delhi, known for his unique metalworking techniques that merge traditional craftsmanship with organic contemporary design.
Material
Silver-plated stainless steel base with natural and/or oxidized brass and gold-tone decorative elements. This is not solid sterling silver; it is a luxury mixed-metal piece designed for durability and aesthetic contrast.
Dimensions
Standard size is approximately 13 inches in length and 5 inches in width. Weight is approximately 450-600 grams, providing a substantial, weighted feel typical of stainless steel cores.
Description
A striking contemporary tray that blends the cool, clinical shine of silver-toned metal with the warmth of golden botanical sculpture. The Michael Aram Anemone tray is a celebration of the 'imperfections' and beauty of nature, featuring hand-wrought flowers that appear to grow from the edges of a perfectly polished geometric frame.
Key Features
The contrast between the mirror-finish silver body and the textured gold-tone 'Anemone' flowers; hand-crafted floral detail where no two pieces are exactly identical; signature Aram botanical handle design.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated stainless steel base with natural and/or oxidized brass and gold-tone decorative elements. This is not solid sterling silver; it is a luxury mixed-metal piece designed for durability and aesthetic contrast.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the tray surface with hand-sculpted, textured gold-tone floral accents. The decoration features the ‘Anemone’ floral motif, characterized by delicate petals and branch-like handles in a botanical style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually bears the engraved 'Michael Aram' script logo on the underside, often accompanied by a 'Stainless Steel' or 'India' origin stamp. Traditional silver hallmarks are absent as it is a contemporary boutique design rather than antique hallmarked bullion.
Construction Details
The tray body is machine-pressed or spun stainless steel for structural uniformity, while the handles and floral elements are cast using the lost-wax process and hand-welded to the tray body.
Functional Features
Raised botanical handles for easy transport; flat, mirrored surface ideal for serving hors d'oeuvres or displaying perfumes/jewelry. The tray lacks deep walls, making it a 'flat' style serving piece.
Handle & Grip Details
The handles are gold-finished brass cast in the shape of branches or vines, terminating in anemone blossoms. They are permanently soldered to the ends of the tray for a seamless, artistic transition.
Craftsmanship Details
Highly skilled hand-casting is evident in the floral petals. The transition points where the handles meet the tray are cleanly finished, indicative of high-quality boutique production standards compared to mass-market imitation pieces.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive floral casting style unique to the Aram studio; consistent finish quality; correct retail labeling and pricing tags visible in the background reflection.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in New York, USA; manufactured in Michael Aram’s dedicated workshop in India, which utilizes centuries-old metalworking traditions like hand-casting and hand-polishing.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (21st Century). It reflects the Post-Modern craft movement where organic, naturalistic forms are juxtaposed against industrial polished surfaces.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 2018 and the present. The crispness of the finish and the presence of contemporary retail labels (visible in reflection) confirm recent production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in luxury housewares from traditional heirloom silver sets toward artistic 'functional sculpture.' It reflects the popularity of nature-inspired motifs in 21st-century interior design.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on the photo; high-polish surface shows minor fingerprints consistent with handling in a retail environment. No visible plate loss or structural damage. Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
Retail price typically ranges from $100 to $150 USD depending on the specific retail outlet; secondary market (resale) value is approximately $60 to $90 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild dish soap; dry immediately to avoid water spots. Do not use abrasive cleaners or silver dips as they will damage the gold-tone finish and the stainless steel surface. Not dishwasher safe.
Similar Pieces
Michael Aram Black Orchid Tray (darker aesthetic), Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo (different botanical motif), or silver-plate pieces by Nambé which use sand-cast alloy but lack the contrasting gold-tone floral applications.
Interesting Facts
The anemone flower is said to bring luck and protect against evil in some cultures. Michael Aram’s work is highly collectible and has been featured in the White House and major museums.