Toles that won't take a toll on you

Retro Saturday

Ever heard of toleware? Did you know there really were tin men?

Oh how the French language makes things sound so elegant…

The term tôle , derived from the French tôlepeinte, “painted sheet metal”, which is synonymous with the English term “japanning on tin”.

Crafters are always up to something and daring to be different since way-back- when.

Painting and decorating kitchen-related objects made of metal, typically tin or thin steel, was a thing for 300 years! 1600 to 1900 to be more precise. A Welshman by the name of John Hanbury owned a metalware business in 1600 and made the first toleware trays in an attempt to imitate exotic lacquered items from Japan. These antique trays had rolled over edges and soldered corners, and were very light. After producing quantities, Handbury shipped them to the US, and the style was copied by colonial tinsmiths, including Paul Revere.

The French started making trays, stately urns, boxes, and plant pots, and initiated the trend of using vibrant colors. The Italians were introduced to the technique and began using wood to decorate instead of tin.

The next time you visit us, go to a yard sale, or duck into a thrift shop or antique store, consider the history of tôlepeinte and know that there are antique enthusiasts that are serious about collecting these nostalgic beauties. Some fetch a really high price.

If you took advantage of last week’s promotion, bring your FUN CASH to Dishfunctional or DishToo and cash in your earnings. The DishToo Liquidation sale is still happening. Score big with 60% off! All inventory at the DishToo Outlet must go before we shut it down.

Here’s some toleware available for sale:

For sale at Dishfunctional Toleware Tray with Hand Painted Rooster Motif

For sale at Dishfunctional Toleware Tray with Bouquet Motif

For sale at Dishfunctional Toleware Tray with Hand Painted Floral Motif

For sale at Dishfunctional Toleware Tray with Hand Painted Bouquet Motif with Handles & Pierced Edge

Sale on Dishfun Ebay Store (click on photo for purchase) Set of 8 Snack Trays $52.88