Overview
A signature piece of American functional art, this sand-cast aluminum tray features a dynamic, high-relief scene of charging bulls framed by a rustic rope border.
Preliminary identification
Arthur Court Sand-Cast Aluminum Bull Motif Small Oval Tray
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Arthur Court transformed the way we look at aluminum in the mid-1960s, turning a utilitarian industrial metal into a medium for high-end decorative art.
Maker / Origin
Arthur Court was a visionary designer and naturalist who founded his namesake company in San Francisco in 1966.
Condition & Value
The tray appears to be in excellent, possibly unused condition, still in its original plastic wrap and box. The aluminum shows no signs of pitting or heavy scratching, which is common in used pieces. Having the original packaging significantly helps maintain its giftable status and collector appeal.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD