Sylvia Stave dish

This circular serving tray was designed by Sylvia Stave and produced by C.G. Hallberg in Sweden in 1933. Executed in pewter, the tray is a refined example of early Scandinavian modernist metalwork, with its clean geometry, minimal surface ornamentation, and subtle decorative detailing.

The design features a flat, slightly dished surface enclosed by a shallow rim with a delicately incised decorative border. At the center, the tray is adorned with an engraved motif rendered in a restrained Art Deco style. The composition depicts a still life with a bowl of fruit, a bottle, a vase with flowering branches, and a curtain in the background, enclosed within a set of concentric rings. The engraving is linear and stylized, contributing a decorative focus without disrupting the otherwise restrained surface.

The tray is marked on the underside with the official C.G. Hallberg hallmark, a Swedish crown emblem, and the maker’s initials, along with the inscription “Garanterat Svenskt Tenn” indicating guaranteed Swedish pewter content. This piece was produced during Stave’s tenure as the lead designer for C.G. Hallberg, where she developed a body of work that helped shape the aesthetic of Swedish pewter in the 1930s.

Sylvia Stave (1908–1994) was one of the most significant female designers in early 20th-century Scandinavian decorative arts. She was appointed chief designer at C.G. Hallberg at a young age and became known for her modernist approach to pewter, silver, and household objects. Her designs were characterized by a harmonious blend of functional form and artistic detail. Despite a brief career—she left the field after marrying in 1940—her output has been recognized for its timeless clarity and innovation, and her work is now included in major museum collections.

The condition of the tray is good vintage, with visible signs of use, surface abrasions, and a consistent patina developed over time.

The tray measures 29 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 11.4 inches in diameter and 0.6 inches in height.