See more objects with the tag circular, geometric, brass, tray, serving ware.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1950

  • Work on this object began.

1960

  • Work on this object ended.

2016

2024

  • You found it!

Tray Tray

This is a tray. It was designed by Tommi Parzinger and manufactured by Dorlyn Silver Smith. It is dated ca. 1955. Its medium is brass. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Born in Munich, the designer Tommi Parzinger came to the United States in 1932. He earned his reputation working in silver but also explored work in ceramics, glass, furniture, and graphic design. Before setting up his own company, Parzinger designed brass and crystal objects as well as furniture for Rena Rosenthal’s Madison Avenue shop that was an early promoter and retailer of modernist European wares. At the time, most metalwares used on the table and for decoration in the American home were still primarily historical adaptations. Parzinger designed graceful wares with delicate etched decorations and purposefully simple shapes. This tray in brass embodies all of these qualities and comes out of a partnership between Parzinger and Dorlyn Silversmiths. The tray’s footed construction, tab handles, and symmetry evoke the classical influences to which Parzinger often turned. The line for Dorlyn also included candlesticks, serving pieces, a coffee service, and other serving wares many of which carried the radial patterning seen on the tray.

This object was donated by George R. Kravis II. It is credited Gift of George R. Kravis II.

  • Tray (USA)
  • aluminum (goldtone).
  • Gift of Hank Horwitt.
  • 1991-140-2-a,b

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

  • Dessert Tray
  • polished chromium, plastic.
  • Gift of Mel Byars.
  • 1991-59-123
  • Tray
  • chrome-plated metal, enamel.
  • Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund.
  • 1993-150-44-a

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 4.1 × 37.8 × 31.4 cm (1 5/8 × 14 7/8 × 12 3/8 in.)

It has the following markings

On underside: “Made by Dorlyn Silver Smith” Inner wall of foot: engraved, “T686”

Cite this object as

Tray Tray; Designed by Tommi Parzinger (American, b. Germany, 1903–1981); Manufactured by Dorlyn Silver Smith; brass; H x W x D: 4.1 × 37.8 × 31.4 cm (1 5/8 × 14 7/8 × 12 3/8 in.); Gift of George R. Kravis II; 2018-22-135

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/404734349/ |title=Tray Tray |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=24 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>