Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Summary:
• Item: Drinks tray on stand
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: England, UK
• In the style of Jennens & Bettridge
• Papier Mâché construction
• Rectangular shape
• Raised escalloped border
• Painted central floral detail
• Gilt lattice scroll border decoration
• Later folding ebonized stand
• Ring turned legs & stretcher
• Stunning craftsmanship
• Completely original
• Exceptional quality
• Excellent original condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
The tray is constructed of papier mâché, literally meaning “paper – mashed up”; a material consisting of paper pulp, sometimes reinforced and pressed with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste, decorated in the style of chinoiserie, which was fashionable at the time. The rectangular tray is decorated with a finely gilded scroll lattice perimeter against a raised escalloped border, encompassing a colorful painted floral scene, flanked by a smaller floral outer corner. The detail in the painted gilt work craftsmanship is stunning.
Trays of this design usually incorporated later stands as originally, the trays were designed to be carried by Butlers, but were later adapted to incorporate stands, as homeowners found them more practical in the Victorian and Edwardian period. This is a particularly decorative tray as not only can it be used for practical purposes but also it can be folded away to display the ornamental scroll gilt work on the tray.
Dimensions:
External Height (Tray on Stand) = 53.1cm or 20?” or 1ft 8?”
Tray Width = 81.3cm or 32” or 2ft 8”
Tray Depth = 61.5cm or 24?” or 2ft 0?”
Base Depth = 48.5cm or 19?” or 1ft 7?”
Base Width (Open) = 63cm or 24¾” or 2ft 0¾”
Base Height (Open) = 50.8cm or 20” or 1ft 8”
Base Width (Folded) = 7.5cm or 3”
Base Height (Folded) = 76.4cm or 30” or 2ft 6”
Condition Report:
The tray is in excellent original condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges and gilt work to the tray top, but nothing significant considering the age of the item, and years of use. There are no splits to the tray. The tray sits on a later folding stand, designed in the manner of the early Victorian period, with ring turned legs and stretcher. Trays of this design usually incorporated later stands as originally, the trays were designed to be carried by Butlers, but were later adapted to incorporate stands, as homeowners found them more practical in the Victorian and Edwardian period. The detail in the painted gilt work craftsmanship is second to none. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.
International Buyers:
Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.
Ref. 35606
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique English Victorian Black Ebonised Chinoiserie Papier Mâché Butlers Drinks Tray (Circa 1860)
