Details
Description
An exceptional antique English papier-mâché tray featuring a richly lacquered black finish, delicate hand-painted floral vine decoration, shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay, …
Read more
An exceptional antique English papier-mâché tray featuring a richly lacquered black finish, delicate hand-painted floral vine decoration, shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay, and a charming central scene depicting children climbing a country fence.
These decorative trays were produced in England during the mid-to-late Victorian era and were popular luxury household accessories. Originally used for serving, display, or tabletop decoration, surviving examples with original mother-of-pearl inlay and figural scenes are increasingly sought after by collectors of Victorian decorative arts and Aesthetic Movement furnishings.
Details
Origin: England
Date: Circa 1850s–1880s
Type: Decorative Papier-Mâché Tray
Dimensions: Approximately 30" W x 24" H
Materials:
Papier-mâché
Black lacquer finish
Mother-of-pearl inlay
Hand-painted decoration
Decoration:
Central oval pastoral scene of children climbing a fence
Hand-painted gilt floral vine border
Scattered mother-of-pearl inlay accents
Black japanned lacquer ground
Design Styles:
Victorian
Aesthetic Movement
English Country
Romantic Revival
Old World Decor
Color Palette:
Black lacquer
Gold
Pearl iridescence
Sage green
Cream
Brown
Historical Background
Victorian papier-mâché trays were among England's most fashionable decorative objects during the mid-19th century. Manufacturers perfected techniques of compressing paper pulp into durable forms which were then lacquered, painted, gilded, and often embellished with mother-of-pearl.
Examples featuring pastoral scenes and inlaid decoration were marketed to affluent Victorian households and often displayed on parlour tables, sideboards, or mounted as wall decorations. The aesthetic closely aligns with the taste of the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized beauty, craftsmanship, and decorative surface treatments.
See less
- Dimensions
- 24ʺW × 30ʺD × 1.25ʺH
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Mother-of-Pearl
- Paper Mache
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Condition Good antique condition considering age. The tray retains its original black lacquer surface, painted decoration, and mother-of-pearl inlay. Expected … moreCondition Good antique condition considering age. The tray retains its original black lacquer surface, painted decoration, and mother-of-pearl inlay. Expected age-related wear is present throughout, including edge wear, finish losses around portions of the rim, surface crazing, age-related cracking to the lacquer finish, scratches, and general wear consistent with over 140 years of age. The central scene remains attractive and displays well. Structurally sound for display purposes. Please review all photographs carefully for complete condition details. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Gustavsberg Trays
- Los Castillo Trays
- Chase Brass and Copper Company Trays
- Virginia Metalcrafters Trays
- Chrome Finish Trays
- Venini Trays
- Polished Copper Finish Trays
- Coral Trays
- Barovier and Toso Trays
- Terra Cotta Trays
- Emilia Castillo Trays
- Willy Rizzo Trays
- Bone China Trays
- Seagrass Trays
- Maison Baguès Trays
- Copper Trays
- Silver Trays
- Brass Trays
- Persian Trays
- Silverplate Trays
- Georges Briard Trays
- Mid-Century Modern Trays
- Metal Trays
- Aluminum Trays
- Japanese Trays