Chinoiserie Papier Mache Tray, England c.1880, Mounted on a Custom Painted Stand

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About the Item

A marvelous papier mache tray from England c.1880 with the original finish now mounted on a custom painted wood stand constructed to resemble bamboo. Please notice the exotic shape of this tray with its oriental inspired points and curves. The influence of the exotic East was especially powerful in late nineteenth England and France and inspired a fanciful variety of furnishings that interpreted design from the Middle East as well as China and Japan. "Papier mache" is literally French for "chewed paper" and although this is not literally true the manufacturers of nineteenth century papier mache objects zealously guarded their recipes and put about this fanciful myth. Actually papier mache is literally made from layer after layer of paper being soaked with various resins and tars before being pressed into a variety of shapes between greased moulds. This material was then baked at a very high temperature in large ovens until it hardened and became nearly as durable as wood. The highly polished black surface was first developed to simulate the extraordinarily expensive and rare pieces of lacquered panels imported from China and Japan that were enthusiastically collected. This is why most of the hand painted decoration seen on papier mache wares uses these motifs of lavish floral displays along with birds that have amazing plumage and feathered details. The use of gold leaf was also employed on better quality pieces to enhance the glamour of the painting and its reflectiveness. The design on this tray is in a freeform and asymmetrical design that flows organically across the surface. This type of design was instantly recognizable as it had been seen on gorgeous pieces of Chinese porcelain for centuries. But the artistic excellence and evocative design of this tray along with its exotic outer border shape gave it especial desirability that remains powerful today. The tray has been mounted in a custom designed wooden table stand that follows the exact outline of the tray. This stand has also been painted a glossy black to match the finish of the papier mache and shaped to resemble bamboo. The natural taper of bamboo and its ridged sections have been followed here as they would have been in the nineteenth century when entire suites of furniture were made of actual bamboo for glass houses filled with tropical plants. The ribs of the bamboo have here been highlighted with gilding to reinforce the gold leaf applied to the actual tray. These tables are especially suited to use as smart cocktail tables in front of sofas or between chairs where a wonderfully decorated surface adds to the layered decoration of a beautiful room.

Dimensions:
Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 26 in (66.04 cm)
Style:
Victorian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Papier Mâché
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c.1880
Condition:
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EEJ1251stDibs: U1206048668710

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Tray Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Lacquer, Paper

Hand-Painted Papier-mâché Tray on Faux Bamboo Stand

$1,850