A striking and highly collectible late 19th-century Art Nouveau Jugendstil serving tray by the renowned Villeroy & Boch Dresden factory, dating from approx. the 1890s. The oval earthenware tray features a superb early Jugendstil design with stylized geometric and floral decoration in sage green, deep olive and cream tones. The ceramic body is beautifully framed by an elegant pierced openwork metal gallery with an authentic aged patina. The underside bears the historic Villeroy & Boch Dresden Mercury backstamp, together with model number 2009B. During the late 19th century, Villeroy & Boch was at the forefront of European decorative arts production. Its Dresden factory became renowned for high-quality ceramics that anticipated the progressive Art Nouveau and Jugendstil aesthetics of the coming century. In excellent antique condition. The ceramic has no major chips, cracks or restorations. Fine age-related glaze crazing is visible on the underside. The two original handles are not present. The metal gallery is solid and shows authentic patina, tarnishing and minor wear consistent with its age. A rare, decorative and high-end quality example of early German Jugendstil design and a true eye-catcher for any Art Nouveau interior or collection. Dimensions: approx. 4 x 41 x 31 cm (h x w x d) Weight: approx. 1.1 kg Please carefully review all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description.