Comes from the French tôle, referring to a thin laminated sheet of metal (generally tin or steel). Toleware is a decorative technique creating enameled, japanned or lacquered metal household objects, kitchenware, lamp bases, shades and light fittings, interior fixtures and ornaments such as small, ornate and delicate boxes.
Toleware emerged in the 18thC in England as Chinoiserie, was adopted by the French in the 19thC, and features in the traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement and in the United States in communities such as the Pennsylvanian Dutch, in a variety of metals and typical decorative motifs and colours.
We’ve used pretty and elegant tole broaches picked up from antiques markets for detail and closures on accessories such as lampshades, cushions and bolsters.