Vintage Set of Four ISCO Japanese Hand-Painted Serving Trays, 1960

Unique vintage set of four ornamental serving trays made in Japan by ISCO, a Japanese brand associated with small hand-painted household objects produced for export. These pieces belong to the fascinating tradition of Japanese makers reinterpreting Western motifs: objects created in Japan that adopted European forms, colors, and themes for everyday life in Western homes.

Each tray features a distinctive French-inspired rooster surrounded by colorful ornamental decoration. The motif recalls the aesthetic of the French countryside, provincial kitchens, and traditional tableware decorated with birds, flowers, and folk-inspired compositions. Yet the true interest of the set lies precisely in this apparent contradiction: these are not French-made trays, but Japanese objects recreating an idealized image of France for the international market.

ISCO produced this type of piece for mid-century domestic entertaining: serving cocktails, drinks, small appetizers, sweets, or hors d’oeuvres during gatherings at home. The “alcohol proof” designation, commonly found on comparable pieces by the brand, refers to the treatment applied to the surfaces to withstand contact with alcoholic beverages. Lightweight, practical, and decorative, these trays were designed for the home bar, coffee table, or informal entertaining.

The design combines a rectangular silhouette with a rounded end that functions as a handle, a simple yet charming detail that makes each tray easy to carry. The warm colors, dark background, and hand-painted details give the set a cheerful, nostalgic, and highly decorative presence.

More than simply a set of serving trays, this collection represents a particular moment in postwar material culture: the international circulation of styles and the way Japanese manufacturers transformed Western references into accessible, expressive, and characterful household objects. The result is a group of pieces that appear French at first glance, while their true story is distinctly Japanese.

Details

• 1stDibs reference: LU10969251940982
• Period: Mid-20th Century
• Date: 1960
• Origin: Japan
• Materials: Plastic
• Techniques: Hand-Painted
• Style: French Provincial
• Dimensions: H 0.5 × W 9.5 × D 5.8 IN
• Condition: GOOD