Early C19th Regency period papier-mâché lacquered tray by Clay.Superbly decorated fantastical Chinoiserie papier-mâché tray with the original shaped and gilded cast-bronze handles . The Chinoiserie lacquer decoration featuring pagodas in a landscape with gilded highlights.The reverse with a clear stamp and maker’s mark for “Clay , King St., Covent Garden”.In excellent original condition with historic minor chips to the edges. The surface with minor crackulature , commensurate with age and as to be expected by the nature of the material. *The renowned firm of Henry Clay established in Birmingham, patented a process for treating laminated sheets of paper with linseed oil to produce waterproof panels in 1772 . Clay produced items ranging from caddies , knife boxes , trays and dressing cases to small pieces of furniture. The company moved to London established workshops at 18, King St ., Covent Garden , where his array of clientele included the Royal Family , and in parti...