Gunnar Ander tray

This rare tray, designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden, is a fine representation of Scandinavian mid-century design, merging functionality with a refined decorative aesthetic. As with much of Ander’s work, this piece exhibits a distinctive balance between simplicity and elegance, executed with careful attention to form, proportion, and material contrast.

The tray features a rectangular base with softly rounded edges, made from black enameled metal. The enamel finish offers a smooth, matte surface that subtly reflects light, giving the tray a modernist clarity and emphasizing its planar simplicity. This dark base serves as a visual anchor for the brass structural elements, allowing the interplay of color and texture to define the overall character of the design.

Rising above the tray is a delicately arched handle made of polished brass, which curves gracefully from end to end. The handle is connected to the base with clean joinery and forms a continuous line that reinforces the sense of symmetry and balance. Four small brass ball feet elevate the tray slightly from the surface on which it rests. These spherical feet not only lend the tray a light and elegant stance but also provide stability and a subtle sense of movement.

The combination of black and gold—matte enamel and polished brass—reflects Ander’s interest in visual harmony through material contrast. The restrained palette and flowing lines exemplify the Scandinavian approach to modern design: functional, visually clear, and aesthetically timeless.

Gunnar Ander (1908–1976) was an influential Swedish designer known for his architectural clarity and refined decorative objects. He collaborated extensively with Ystad Metall, where he developed a wide range of metalware and lighting designs that have since become iconic within the canon of mid-century Scandinavian design. His pieces are characterized by their structural lightness, geometric grace, and focus on elegant yet practical forms.

The tray remains in good vintage condition. The black enameled surface shows light surface wear, including small marks and subtle abrasions consistent with age and use. The brass elements display a soft patina, particularly along the handle and feet, which adds to the piece’s vintage character without detracting from its overall appearance.

33.5 cm in length, 14.5 cm in width, and 18 cm in height (approximately 13.2 × 5.7 × 7.1 inches).

This tray is both a functional serving piece and a sculptural object, exemplifying Gunnar Ander’s enduring contribution to Swedish decorative arts and the elegance of Ystad Metall’s mid-century production.