Collections: Decorative Arts: "Skyscraper" Dressing Tray, Apollo Studios Line

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"Skyscraper" Dressing Tray, Apollo Studios Line

• Designer: Louis W. Rice, American, 1872-1933
• Manufacturer: Bernard Rice's Sons, Inc., 1867-1950
• Medium: Silver-plated metal with gilding and enamel, glass, cardboard
• Place Manufactured: New York, New York, USA
• Dates: ca. 1928
• Dimensions: 2 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 8 in. (7 x 41.9 x 20.3 cm)
• Markings: Stamped on bottom: "APOLLO STUDIOS / NEW YORK / 3040"
• Signature: no signature
• Inscriptions: no inscriptions
• Collections: Decorative Arts
• Museum Location: This item is on view in American Identities: A New Look, 5th floor
• Accession Number: 87.179
• Credit Line: Modernism Benefit Fund
• Image: Overall, 87.179_transp2897.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Louis W. Rice (American, 1872-1933). "Skyscraper" Dressing Tray, Apollo Studios Line, ca. 1928. Silver-plated metal with gilding and enamel, glass, cardboard, 2 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 8 in. (7 x 41.9 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, 87.179 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.179_transp2897.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: "Skyscraper" dressing tray, silver-plated base metal with parcel gilt and black enameled areas, glass mirror, cardboard; en suite with brush and mirror (87.176.1-.2). Tray is rectangular in shape, and is formed by four strips of metal, which are soldered together at the corners. Protruding vertically from the metal sides are geometric "skyscraper" designs. Each design consists of five geometric divisions: the highest being in the center. Two flanking divisions on each side that are gradually stepped symmetrically balance the design. The tray has two skyscraper designs on each of the long sides, and one design on each of the shorter ends. The designs on the shorter ends serve as handles for the tray by having two silver brackets soldered to them, and into which are inserted piston-shaped rods enameled in black. The skyscraper designs are embellished with gilding (center), silver-plate on black enamel. Four feet that are pyramid-shaped and enameled black elevate the tray. Inserted into the silver plated frame is a glass mirror. Inserted into the bottom of the tray is a sheet of cardboard, which is embossed and stained brown to simulate leather. CONDITION: Very good; some of the gilding has been worn away.