Gunnar Ander trays

This four-piece serving set was designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall in Sweden during the 1950s. It consists of two matching handled trays and two circular coasters. The pieces are made of brass with black-finished upper surfaces, creating a strong contrast between the dark serving areas and the warm golden tone of the exposed metal.

Each tray has a long rectangular platform with slightly raised edges and softly rounded corners. The base is supported on four small spherical brass feet. A tall central carrying handle spans the length of the tray and is constructed from three closely spaced parallel brass rods. Fine curved supports extend from the handle toward the corners, forming an open, symmetrical framework with a distinctly architectural character. The coasters have shallow circular profiles with gently raised rims and repeat the same black and brass color combination.

The construction balances sheet metal with slender bent brass rods. The raised edges help contain objects placed on the trays, while the elevated handles allow them to be carried without interfering with the serving surface. The brass framework also acts as structural reinforcement, transferring the load from the handle toward the corners and feet. The undersides retain the golden brass finish, while the upper surfaces are coated in black.

Gunnar Ander (1908–1976) was a Swedish designer and architect who worked in glass, brass, wrought iron, nickel silver and wood. He was associated with both Ystad-Metall and Lindshammars Glasbruk. His work frequently combines functional forms with restrained geometry, linear metal structures and contrasting colors. These trays reflect his characteristic use of repeated lines and curved supports to turn a practical construction into an integral part of the design.

Ystad-Metall was an important Swedish manufacturer of artist-designed functional and decorative metalware. During its principal period of production from 1919 to 1969, the company collaborated with several prominent designers and produced objects in brass, bronze, copper, pewter and wrought iron. The underside is marked with Ander’s “GA” monogram, “Ystad-Metall” and “Made in Sweden” identifying the designer, manufacturer and country of origin.

The set belongs to the Scandinavian modern tradition of the 1950s. Its visual language combines functional clarity with a light, graphic structure. The rectangular trays, circular coasters, arched handles and spherical feet create a controlled composition of straight lines, curves and basic geometric forms. Ornament is limited to the construction itself, in keeping with the period’s emphasis on material, proportion and practical use.

The trays and coasters are in good vintage condition, with small signs of use consistent with their age. The black surfaces show light scratches, handling marks and limited finish wear. The exposed brass has minor surface marks, areas of discoloration and natural patination. The observed wear does not affect the construction or intended function.

Each tray measures 33.5 cm long × 14.5 cm wide × 18 cm high, corresponding to approximately 13.2 × 5.7 × 7.1 inches. Each coaster measures 9 cm in diameter × 0.5 cm high, corresponding to approximately 3.5 inches in diameter × 0.2 inches high.