19th. Century English Papier Mache Tray

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Well painted English Regency period papier mache tray, c.1820
Oval in shape and all hand painted with blooming flowers, birds … Read more Well painted English Regency period papier mache tray, c.1820
Oval in shape and all hand painted with blooming flowers, birds and butterflies. The rim is also decorated both on the inside and outside. The back is impressed with a crown and “Clay”, London. The crown signifies makers to the king, at that time George III.
The label tells us who Henry Clay was. He was one of the best paper mache makers in England and always made the best quality items. He was given the title ‘Japanner to his Majesty’. Overall good condition with minor age wear.
Henry Clay was one of the pioneers in papier mache and patented his own process for making ‘paper ware’ which involved sheets of paper being soaked in paste and then pressed together. They would then be baked in a hot stove, coated with color and oils, then polished.to a high shine See less