No elegant mid-century cocktail party was complete without glossy black Couroc trays and barware, all inlaid with colorful designs that varied from whimsy to realism. The company's motto was, "Any tray can serve a drink. Only Couroc can start a conversation." This terrific set of four trays from Couroc feature a stylized Hopi Hummingbird Kachina, inlaid with vivid colors and outlined in golden metal.
Couroc was founded in 1948 in Monterey, California by husband and wife Guthrie Courvoisier and Moira Wallace, During WWII, Courvoisier produced plastic parts for military aircraft. This experience helped him develop a glossy black resin that could be molded into trays, bowls, and dishes and was resistant to water, alcohol, and burning cigarettes. Wallace, a talented artist, became company's chief designer, developing the technique to inlay the trays with everything from natural materials like wood, shells, and plants to metals, glitter, and coins. The inlays were done by hand by a team of skilled artisans. Because of variations in the materials used and the fact that each tray was assembled by hand, no two Couroc trays are exactly alike.
Both beautiful and durable, Couroc's barware was sold at high-end department and gift shops. Companies such as Coca-Cola commissioned Couroc to create promotional items. However, after celebrating its 50th anniversary, Couroc closed in 1998.
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