This elegant Maurice Bouval Art Nouveau bronze tray represents a refined example of French Art Nouveau sculpture from the Belle Époque period.
The sculptural composition depicts a graceful female figure holding a tray in the shape of a waterlily, an ornamental theme closely associated with the naturalistic aesthetic of the Art Nouveau movement around 1900.

The Maurice Bouval Art Nouveau bronze tray is finely cast in gilt bronze, showing the artist’s characteristic attention to fluid lines, organic forms and decorative elegance. The modelling of the female figure reflects the influence of the Parisian decorative arts that flourished at the Paris Salons between 1895 and 1914.

The piece is signed “M. Bouval”, confirming its attribution to the French sculptor Maurice Bouval (1863–1916), who was known for his decorative bronzes, sculptures and Art Nouveau objects produced in France during the turn of the century.

Objects such as this Maurice Bouval Art Nouveau bronze tray were often designed as luxurious vide-poche trays or decorative centrepieces, combining functionality with sculptural beauty.

Today the piece represents a highly desirable object for collectors of French Art Nouveau bronzes, Belle Époque decorative arts and Maurice Bouval sculpture.