Antique Vietnamese Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Tray, C. 1880–1920

Details

Description

A striking antique Vietnamese hardwood tray dating to the late Nguyễn Dynasty / early French Colonial period, circa 1880–1920. The … Read more A striking antique Vietnamese hardwood tray dating to the late Nguyễn Dynasty / early French Colonial period, circa 1880–1920. The large rectangular tray is extensively decorated with traditional khảm xà cừ, the Vietnamese art of intricate mother-of-pearl shell inlay.

Hand-cut and engraved pieces of iridescent shell form an elaborate composition of flowering branches, birds, butterflies and other botanical motifs. Four circular medallions frame the central field, while delicate floral and foliate inlay continues around the inner border and raised outer edge.

Against the rich reddish-brown hardwood, the mother-of-pearl catches the light beautifully, revealing subtle flashes of cream, pink, green, blue and lavender.

The construction, decorative vocabulary and shell work are consistent with Vietnamese mother-of-pearl-inlaid decorative arts of the late Nguyễn period. Similar work is sometimes described in the antiques market as Annamese, Tonkinese, Indochinese or French Indochina.

Originally functional as a serving or tea tray, its scale and detailed craftsmanship make it especially appealing today as a decorative object. It could be displayed on a large coffee table, console or ottoman, incorporated into a collected tabletop arrangement, or displayed vertically as decorative wall art.

Origin: Vietnam
Date: Circa 1880–1920
Period: Late Nguyễn Dynasty / early French Colonial Indochina
Materials: Hardwood, mother-of-pearl / shell
Technique: Khảm xà cừ
Motifs: Flowers, foliage, birds, butterflies/insects and circular medallions
Dimensions: 24.5" L × 15.5" W See less