The Story
This rare and "butter soft" vintage tray is a stunning piece of handmade craftsmanship from Sierra Leone. It features intricate, geometric woven reed detailing—a style known as Mandingo leatherwork—set into a deep red-brown leather that covers what is believed to be a wooden frame. Though marked "1973" on the reverse, the traditional nature of this work means the design style dates back much further. It is a perfect focal point for an eclectic, global, or bohemian-inspired interior.
The Details
Origin: Sierra Leone, Africa.
Technique: Mandingo-style tooled leather and woven reed/rush work.
Shape: Octagonal with a shallow lip.
Dimensions: 34.5cm Long / 26cm Wide / 1.45cm High.
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1973 (marked to reverse).
Condition: Beautifully worn vintage condition with a rich, soft patina. There are three small areas on the edges where the leather has dried and torn slightly over time, plus one tiny, insignificant puncture on the top face. These signs of age are in keeping with its history and authentic handmade nature.
Why It’s Special
Mandingo leatherwork is renowned for its durability and complex geometric patterns. Finding a tray in this octagonal form with such well-preserved reed weaving is quite unusual. The leather has aged to a deep, warm mahogany tone that is incredibly tactile. It’s not just a tray; it’s a piece of functional West African art history.
Styling Tips
The Boho Coffee Table: Use it to group a few small treasures—a brass candle snuffer, a small pot of succulents, or a favorite art book—to ground them in a textured, natural frame.
Vertical Texture: Because it is octagonal and beautifully patterned, prop it upright at the back of a bookshelf or sideboard to act as a "backdrop" for white ceramics or glass vases.
Wall Decor: With its shallow lip and geometric design, it can be hung as part of a "basket wall" to add the warmth of leather and the structure of woven reeds to your wall art collection.
Sustainable Shipping
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
The Story
This rare and "butter soft" vintage tray is a stunning piece of handmade craftsmanship from Sierra Leone. It features intricate, geometric woven reed detailing—a style known as Mandingo leatherwork—set into a deep red-brown leather that covers what is believed to be a wooden frame. Though marked "1973" on the reverse, the traditional nature of this work means the design style dates back much further. It is a perfect focal point for an eclectic, global, or bohemian-inspired interior.
The Details
Origin: Sierra Leone, Africa.
Technique: Mandingo-style tooled leather and woven reed/rush work.
Shape: Octagonal with a shallow lip.
Dimensions: 34.5cm Long / 26cm Wide / 1.45cm High.
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1973 (marked to reverse).
Condition: Beautifully worn vintage condition with a rich, soft patina. There are three small areas on the edges where the leather has dried and torn slightly over time, plus one tiny, insignificant puncture on the top face. These signs of age are in keeping with its history and authentic handmade nature.
Why It’s Special
Mandingo leatherwork is renowned for its durability and complex geometric patterns. Finding a tray in this octagonal form with such well-preserved reed weaving is quite unusual. The leather has aged to a deep, warm mahogany tone that is incredibly tactile. It’s not just a tray; it’s a piece of functional West African art history.
Styling Tips
The Boho Coffee Table: Use it to group a few small treasures—a brass candle snuffer, a small pot of succulents, or a favorite art book—to ground them in a textured, natural frame.
Vertical Texture: Because it is octagonal and beautifully patterned, prop it upright at the back of a bookshelf or sideboard to act as a "backdrop" for white ceramics or glass vases.
Wall Decor: With its shallow lip and geometric design, it can be hung as part of a "basket wall" to add the warmth of leather and the structure of woven reeds to your wall art collection.
Sustainable Shipping
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
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