Original metal tray by Piero Fornasetti, Milano Italy. This is a rare first production called 'Palloni' (hot-air balloons) from the early 1950s. Marked. 
Dimensions: length 23.6 in. (60 cm), width 10.0 inches (25,5 cm).
 
Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) is one of the most important Italian designers and was also an artist, poet and decorator. The saying goes that when one finds something by Fornasetti in an interior, good taste is guaranteed. But of course, everyone can decide that for themselves.
I have never seen this tray before and I only know it from the book: Fornasetti 'The Complete Universe' edited by Rizzoli New York, page: 520.

This tray is one of the first in the total series of trays which Pierro Fornasetti designed and produced in Milan. The collection of trays has more than 450 different shapes and decorations. This model has never been reissued.
The rectangular shapes were obtained from a piece of sheet metal that was pressed into a wooden mould. Then the silkscreen was applied and everything colored by hand.
 
Good vintage used condition. Beautiful patina with some crackle. Minor restoration, barely visible retouch, see last picture in the green circle.
- Literature: Fornasetti, The Complete Universe, Rizzoli New York.