Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Victorian Japanned Papier-Mâché Tilt Table with Nacre Inlay, c.1850 hand painted

$4,225.06
£3,100
€3,634.93
CA$5,828.84
A$6,481.91
CHF 3,404.44
MX$79,247.82
NOK 42,422.56
SEK 39,993.02
DKK 27,128.34

About the Item

Victorian Papier-Mâché Tilt-Top Table with Japanned and Nacre Inlay, England, c. 1850 A striking mid-19th century English tilt-top table, masterfully crafted in papier-mâché with japanned decoration and shimmering nacre inlay. This table exemplifies the height of Victorian fascination with East Asian lacquerware, its black japanned surface adorned with intricate floral and landscape motifs including a peacock and swans, beautifully accented with iridescent nacre. The circular top is mounted on a turned and japanned pedestal with a scalloped, florally decorated tripod base. The tabletop features its original brass catch allowing it to tilt upright for display or storage, a practical and elegant innovation of the era. About Nacre Nacre, often known as “mother-of-pearl”, is the iridescent inner layer of mollusc shells. Valued for centuries, it displays a luminous, multicoloured surface that reflects light with a soft, natural glow. In Victorian decorative arts, nacre was widely used as inlay to enhance japanned and lacquered furniture, adding subtle opulence and exotic appeal. Its presence on this table highlights the 19th-century English tradition of combining locally crafted forms with globally inspired materials and finishes. About Papier-Mâché Furniture Papier-mâché, from the French for “mashed paper,” has roots in Asian craft traditions, later adopted and refined in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. The process involved layering or moulding paper pulp to create a strong, versatile substrate that could be carved, lacquered, and inlaid like wood. Its lightness and adaptability made it ideal for decorative objects and furniture, and by the Victorian period, it was considered a fashionable medium for luxurious interiors. Henry Clay’s 1772 Birmingham patent pioneered pasteboard furniture production, and by the mid-1800s, English papier-mâché makers were celebrated for their technical excellence. At the 1851 Great Exhibition, jurors praised papier-mâché pieces for their durability and refined finish, superior in many respects to wood or metal japanned ware inspired by Japanese lacquer techniques. Condition & Patina This table retains its original japanned decoration with areas of age-commensurate wear, craquelure, and losses, notably to parts of the nacre inlay, enhancing its authenticity and evocative charm. The base shows surface scuffs and historic repairs, structurally sound and stable for display or gentle use. Why We Love It This table is more than furniture; it is a testament to Victorian ingenuity and the era’s poetic engagement with Japanese lacquer traditions. Its peacock and floral motifs, highlighted with glowing nacre, speak of a time when global craft traditions intertwined to create objects of refined beauty and worldly sophistication. ⸻ Dimensions: Diameter 81cm x Height 67cm Origin: England Period: Circa 1850 Materials: Papier-mâché, japanned lacquer, nacre inlay, brass catch ⸻ We invite you to explore our storefront for further 19th and 20th century design pieces curated with the same discerning eye. Please note: Shipping quotes provided by 1stdibs are indicative only. Contact us directly with your shipping requirements so we can source the most competitive and tailored shipping solution for you fully insured.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.38 in (67 cm)Diameter: 31.89 in (81 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1850’s
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Replacements made: 6 pieces of the missing Nacre inlays have been replaced, and the table has had a restorative wax protecting the original hand painted friezes and japanning. Minor losses. Waxed.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2868329456162

More From This Seller

View All
19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate
By Sarreguemines
Located in London, GB
Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scall...
Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Boho Chic Steam Bent Bamboo Side Table with Deep Red Ceramic Tiled Top 1890’s
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian steam bent Bamboo side table with deep red ceramic tiles. This craftsman produced table with its simple, classic lines would also play ...
Category

Antique 1890s British Bohemian Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Bamboo

Art Deco Gustavsberg Argenta Ceramic Plate with Silver Inlay by Wilhelm Kåge
By Gustavberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Art Deco plate or shallow bowl made in Sweden 1930s at Gustavsberg factory, was designed by the painter and ceramicist Wilhelm Kåge. The name Argenta comes from the La...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Pottery

Materials

Silver

Victorian 19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons
Located in London, GB
19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons These 19th-century andirons stand out for their combination of robust materials and elegant design, blending iron, brass, and...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

Vintage 1950s Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Boxes

Materials

Other

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate
By Sarreguemines
Located in London, GB
Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...
Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

You May Also Like

English 19th Century Papier Mache Floral Painted Tilt Top Side Table
By Jennens and Bettridge
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A tilt top papier mâché occasional table. Black with hand painted floral, gilt and mother of Pearl decoration. Good quality and form, possibly by Jenners & Bettridge of Belgravia, L...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Paper

Antique 19th C. Victorian Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Inlay Pedestal Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. Victorian Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Inlay Pedestal Side Table. Item features ebonized black lacquer finish, gold gilt hand painted details, mother of pearl inlay, ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Ebonized hand painted and inlaid Tilt-Top Table
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Victorian (late 19th century Victorian period) ebonized tilt-top table, finely painted with inlaid mother-of-pearl landscape .
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Tables

Materials

Wood

19th century papier mache and painted mother of pearl inlaid tilt-top table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality table very much in the manner of Jennings and Bettridge Features a scene and is inscribed 'Babelsberg the residence of Frederic Willian' Babelsberg palace is the lar...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Dessert Tables and Tilt-top ...

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

English Victorian Mother of Pearl & Painted Paper Mache Tilt Top Table, c. 1860
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Mother-of-Pearl inlaid and floral painted quatrefoil form paper mache tilt top table. The top rests on a painted wood pedestal with molded base and on three scroll cut feet. The base...
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Dessert Tables and Tilt-top Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Paint

19th Century Victorian Hand Painted & Ebonized Tilt-Top Side Table with inlays
Located in Miami, FL
An antique English lacquer Papier Mâché tilt top occasional table, hand painted with floral motifs and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The scalloped top and base made of paper-mache, th...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Dessert Tables and Tilt-top T...

Materials

Walnut