The "Tole" Story

The term tole painting comes from the French word, "tole peinte" which was a popular form of decorative painting on metal from from 1700-1900.

  

This style of painting is referred to as 'one stroke painting'. Typical designs were often flowers, fruit, leaves and swirly swishes (you know that technical term). 

Early toleware used Japan-paint, which is a varnish-like paint that resembles an Oriental black lacquer finish. However, most of the toleware that we are familiar with, trays and other decorative kitchen-ware, wasn't varnished.

 



I've added rhinestones, gemstones, and various vintage findings to this vintage Toleware set (probably 1940's or 1950's).

 

 Listed soon, at Age Before Beauty.