Antique Lacquered Mother-of-Pearl Tray Table

Details

Description

This oval tray table is a 19th-century decorative piece comprised of a tray and a separate custom-built stand. The tray … Read more This oval tray table is a 19th-century decorative piece comprised of a tray and a separate custom-built stand. The tray is crafted from papier-mâché, with a black lacquer finish and hand-inlaid mother-of-pearl. It rests on the wood base's completely rimmed platform to ensure stability.
Before the appliquation of lacquer with shell inlay became a hallmark of Victorian and Regency English furniture during the 19th century, it originated in East Asia, specifically in China. There it first developed during the Shang Dynasty (c.1600–1046 BC) and then flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when it became a highly refined luxury art form.
Simultaneously it spread to the Korean Peninsula and Japan. And independent traditions also developed in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, often featuring unique local shells and motifs.
In this piece, the iridescent decoration of real shell (oyster or abalone) follows a repeating "coin" border pattern, characterized by a series of small, overlapping shell segments that mimic the look of a stack of coins tipped on their side. This specific motif was a popular decorative element for English papier-mâché and lacquered furniture in the 19th century.
Authentic mother-of-pearl puts out a rainbow-like shimmer that changes color as you view it from different angles, unlike flat plastic imitations. Hand-made and inlaid pieces will additionally show slight irregularities in the shell shape and size of each "coin" piece, a sign of true period craftsmanship. As such, this border creates a beautiful contrast against the dark black lacquer, as it makes its way around the tray. For fear of losing sight of this piece's lovely iridescence, you’ll hate setting anything on top of it.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent.
Additional dimensions: tray 31”w x 23”d; base 29.75”w x 22”d x 23.75”h. See less