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ID #SA1096524
FOR SALE
£295
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Brazilian Butterfly Tray with Scenic View of Rio De Janeiro
For sale by David Griffith Antiques
for sale €345     $375
£295
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019
Browse dealers 178 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.
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Id #SA1096524
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Brazilian Butterfly Tray with Scenic View of Rio De Janeiro

1920 - 1940
Description

Brazilian butterfly glass tray with scenic view of Rio De Janeiro mounted in inlaid mahogany frame. (c.1930).

Physical Dimensions
Width
63.5cm (25.00")
Depth
39.5cm (15.55")
Declaration

David Griffith Antiques has dated this Brazilian Butterfly Wing Tray to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1096524
Dealers Internal Reference
94241
Dealers Notes

Please supply item no. and postcode for delivery quote.

Shop hours: Wednesday and Saturday: 9.30 - 16.30. Or by appointment.

Visit us - www.davidgriffithantiques.com

Contact us - info@davidgriffithantiques.com

Description
Brazilian butterfly glass tray with scenic view of Rio De Janeiro mounted in inlaid mahogany frame. (c.1930).
Width
63.5cm (25.00")
Depth
39.5cm (15.55")
Date of Manufacture

David Griffith Antiques has dated this Brazilian Butterfly Wing Tray to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1096524
Dealers Internal Ref
94241
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the David Griffith Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro.
1 / 5
Archive I A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian Butterfly Tray with Scenic View of Rio De Janeiro

Archive II A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro. View II
Archive III A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro. View III
Archive IV A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro. View IV
Archive V A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro. View V
Enlarged Archival View
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques
Telephone 020 7226 1126 or 07976 800 062
Location
17 Camden Passage
Islington
London
N1 8EA
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 178
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: 17 Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EA, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
178
A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian Butterfly Tray with Scenic View of Rio De Janeiro
Ref: SA1096524
A rectangular wooden serving tray featuring an inlaid geometric border and a glass-covered centre with iridescent blue butterfly wings forming a painted scene of Rio de Janeiro.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTrays
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialWood, Glass, Butterfly Wings
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsButterfly wing inlay, Marquetry border, Palm tree landscape, Cut-out handles
  • SizeW 63.5 cm (25 in) x D 39.5 cm (16 in)

This 1930 Art Deco serving tray originates from Brazil and follows a rectangular silhouette with integrated cut-out handles at either end. The warm brown mahogany frame is decorated with a detailed geometric marquetry border running along the perimeter. Beneath a protective glass panel, the centre displays an oval picture composed of iridescent blue butterfly wings that form a painted landscape scene depicting Rio de Janeiro, complete with palm trees, mountains, water, and floral motifs in the corners. Signs of age appear on the polished wooden surfaces through minor surface wear. Measuring 63.5 cm wide by 39.5 cm deep, the piece functions as a decorative serving accessory or display item. Positioned on a sideboard top, the item serves as a conversation piece within maximalist wonderland settings. The natural tones of the wood complement varied interior colour schemes while providing a stable surface for holding small objects. Collectors of mid-century decorative arts find utility in displaying the vibrant butterfly wing inlay and the scenic Brazilian artwork in domestic spaces today.

FAQs

Keep the tray out of direct sunlight to prevent the iridescent pigments from fading over time. Clean the top glass carefully with a slightly dampened cloth, ensuring liquid does not seep under the edges into the wing assembly or damage the wood frame.

Position the tray flat on a sideboard or coffee table to hold small decorative objects, or display it vertically on a plate stand within a display cabinet or wall unit to highlight the light-reflecting qualities of the butterfly wings.

Authentic pieces feature natural iridescence that shifts in brightness depending on the light angle, accompanied by intricate wood marquetry on the handles and borders. Most original mid-century examples feature location inscriptions, such as Rio de Janeiro, painted directly onto the glass.

These trays typically feature real Morpho butterfly wings laid beneath a protective sheet of glass, often enhanced with reverse glass painting for detailed foliage and backgrounds. The surrounding frame is usually constructed from native hardwoods adorned with geometric marquetry or wood inlay.

Butterfly wing trays gained significant popularity during the 1920s through the 1950s as luxury tourist souvenirs from South America, particularly Brazil. Artisans utilised the iridescent wings of Morpho butterflies combined with reverse painted glass to depict famous landmarks and tropical landscapes.
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