A Very Unusual Large Turkish Ottoman Painted Metal Circular Tray (19th century)

Painted with bright colours on a metal base. The tray may have originally been used as a tabletop and would have had a folding base, made of wood. Decorated throughout with garlands of flowers, ribbons and scenes of a lush tropical landscape. The centre of the tray shows two boats sailing towards a palm tree on an island with three fanciful tents made up on the shoreline. The central image is very likely to be imaginary; if it represents an actual location, then the three mountains depicted in the distance may provide a clue.

Diameter: 29 3/8 in. (74.6cm.)