POKERWORK POINSETTIA BUTLER'S TRAY

Euphorbia pulcherrima, or noche buena, is a species of flower indigenous to Mexico and Central America. So I suppose No American will not lnow about Poinsettias! In winter, when many gardens are looking cheerless and bare, Poinsettias grow well in the warmer zones of Australia. Their vibrant blooms and foliage bring good cheer into our homes and gardens.

Pyrography or Poker Work is the method of burning designs into timber that has been a method of artistic expression for thousands of years. This tray came home two months ago from the Salvo's. It's design had not been protected with glass so it's a bit worn. I think this art deco version is probably post WWII. The colours are a bit faded and have mellowed from their vibrant original reds and golds. But it's not been fiddled with!

I love the split cane work on the handles and that touch of green.

Poker work was a popular art form in Australia in the period prior to World War 2. Popular designs found on Australian poker work of this period include Australian flora and fauna. Most notably these include gum leaves and blossom, waratahs, wattle and poinsettia flowers. Fauna also figured highly and included mainly koalas and kookaburras as well as other types of birds.
It appeared as a decorative form of design on a variety of household items made from wood such as vases, spoons, coat hangers, bowls, egg cups, coasters, doily covers and trays.
The quality of the work appeared to vary greatly, from that done by amateur hobbyists to professional artists.

This one looks professionally done. It is rare that particular artists can be identified with a piece. I'm always hoping to find a piece by Olive Hughes, her mother Louise Tufnell or Harry Jones.
It is quite a large piece of pokerwork:
L: 64 cm or 25 inches
W: 32 cm or 12.5 inches

Check out my two other pieces on CW:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/22594-an-art-nouveau-iris-doyley-cover?in=user
&
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/22485-my-pokerwork-doyley-cover?in=user