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Henry Clay Papier Mâché Lacquered Tray and Base

$6,500

£4,973.01

€5,687.41

CA$9,255.43

A$10,024.75

CHF 5,309.55

MX$121,284.41

NOK 66,749.26

SEK 62,224.49

DKK 42,476.20

About the Item

Georgian Opulence: Henry Clay's Lacquered Papier-mâché Tray on Faux Bamboo Stand This striking piece is a Burgundy-Ground Lacquered Papier-mâché Tray on a Faux Bamboo Stand, dating to circa 1815. The tray is a product of the renowned English manufacturer Henry Clay, whose patented process revolutionized the use of papier-mâché. The Tray: The broad, scalloped tray is coated in a deep, rich burgundy lacquer. The surface is exuberantly decorated with a dense, all-over pattern of stylized natural forms: luxuriant gilt leaves, swirling acanthus scrolls, and various coloured and gilt butterflies. The decoration is executed in the decorative tradition known as Japanning, a European imitation of Asian lacquerwork that was highly fashionable in Georgian England. The rich gold and contrasting deep red create a sense of lavish opulence suited for a wealthy domestic interior. The Stand: The tray rests upon a contemporary double-legged stand designed to mimic bamboo. The stand is finished in a matching burgundy lacquer, with gilded rings emphasizing the joints of the 'bamboo' sections, reflecting the enduring 18th and 19th-century taste for Chinoiserie. Mark & Dimensions: Mark: Impressed: CLAY/KING ST/COV GARDEN (King Street, Covent Garden, London). Dimensions: Tray: 24 inches wide x 18 1/4 inches deep. Overall Height (with stand): 22 inches (60.96cm wide x 46.36cm deep x 55.88cm high). The combination of Henry Clay's durable material and the elegant Rococo-revival decoration makes this a highly characteristic piece of early 19th-century English decorative art. Historical Context: Henry Clay and the Rise of English Papier-mâché The history of fine English papier-mâché is indelibly linked to Henry Clay (1735–1812), who is credited with transforming the material from a fragile novelty into a robust medium capable of imitating wood and even competing with the quality of imported Asian lacquers. The Patented Process: Clay, originally an apprentice to the well-known bookbinder and typefounder John Baskerville, took over Baskerville's japanning business in Birmingham and later patented his breakthrough invention in 1772. This process involved gluing specially prepared sheets of paper under heat and high pressure to create thick, laminated panels that were far tougher and more heat-resistant than earlier methods. This "Clay's Patent Papier-mâché" made the material viable for larger, more permanent objects like carriage panels and, most famously, durable tea trays and furniture. The Market and Style: After setting up a warehouse in King Street, Covent Garden, London, Clay catered to the aristocratic and wealthy clientele who desired high-end decorative accessories. The taste for Japanning—European lacquering inspired by Asian work—was a major driver of his success. While the tray's decorative style is based on Chinese/Japanese lacquer, the scrolling acanthus leaves are firmly rooted in the European Rococo and its later revival, blending Eastern technique with Western aesthetics. By the time this piece was made, shortly after Clay's death, his original patent had expired, leading to a boom in papier-mâché manufacturing, particularly in the Birmingham/Wolverhampton area. Pieces bearing Clay's mark, however, retain a status associated with the highest quality and the pioneering phase of the English industry. Reference Henry Clay's Patent and the Japanning Tradition: Clay's method of creating tough, heat-resistant papier-mâché panels by gluing specially prepared paper under heat and pressure allowed English manufacturers to successfully imitate highly prized lacquered pieces from Japan, leading to the coining of the term "japanning."

Creator:
Henry Clay (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 18.25 in (46.36 cm)
Style:
Regency (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Other
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1815
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. very slight ware on leg of the base.
Seller Location:
Downingtown, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: Ref: ny7359-cimr1stDibs: LU861017599912

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