South Dakota Small Metal Copper Jewelry / Trinket Tray Souvenir

MID-AMERICA + THE PLAINS. 
Home Decor, Decorative Tray, Souvenir, c. 1950s. 

This arresting and nearly pristine souvenir tray is one of the finest examples we have found of mid-century small metal works. Created by way of a finely detailed mold, the bold copper color is unique aside other such tray series produced during the decade following World War II. Though many of these small souvenir trays were made for use as ashtrays, this tray seems not to fit that particular use. The deep relief and lack of cigarette rest notches has us thinking it was designed more for rings and small jewelry. Either way, it shows no sign of every being used as an ashtray, or of ever having been used beyond decoration. And if so, that would suit this fine piece well enough. Again, the deep 3D relief rim is crowded with state character and landmarks. The top half is devoted to outdoor scenes: from the required “bucking bronco,” a deer, bison, and pheasant, to canoeing, sailing, and fishing; the bottom half highlighting Mt. Rushmore, Mitchell South Dakota's century-old “Corn Palace” (a site combining agricultural history and auditorium, with a general celebration of America’s main staple), and finally an Indian in full headdress (though it cannot escape notice that he is located in the lower right, or what would be the southeast corner of the tray, the Black Hills among the most spiritually significant Native American lands located in the southwest). It bears the mark: “Made in Japan.” This will seem curious considering the violent events of the early-mid 20th century. Here is a bit more background … Following Japan’s surrender in September 1945 ending World War II, Japan was a military occupied country. This continued until the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1952 returned national sovereignty to the island nation. Once international trade was allowed to resume in 1947, the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces (GHQ a mostly American military government charged with running the conquered nation) mandated that export items carry the label: “Made in Occupied Japan.” The directive was updated in 1949 for use minus the word “Occupied.” As a result these two labels “Made in Occupied Japan” and “Made in Japan” (often just “Japan”) can be dated with specificity to the 15 years following the Second World War. They have become markers for valuable vintage memorabilia. [This tray is in mint condition.] 

Condition: Like New. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 6.25” wide x 4.25” high x 0.25” deep