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ID #SA838562
FOR SALE
£750
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Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .
For sale by M Lees and Sons
for sale €878     $953
£750
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2013
Browse dealers 369 items
  • About Us
    M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
  • Trade Associations
    M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA838562
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Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .

19th century
For Sale by M Lees and Sons
Description

Decorative mid C19th Japanese export papier-mâché lacquer rectangular tray.

Skilfully decorated Japanese tray of good large proportions with a traditional landscape and genre scene , featuring a pavilion with mountains to the hinterland . Seated and standing figures of geishas and bijins in conversational groups.

Of gently rounded corner and dished rectangular form .

In good original condition with only minor damage to lower corners and a slight bow when lain flat .

H 3”

W 28”

D 22”

Japan c. 1850

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Japanese Lacquer Papier-mache Tray to the 1880s.

Independent Date Check ID 06869934
Dealer's Item Date1880s
Sellingantiques Date1880s
Sellingantiques agingItem 125-165 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1880s:
Fine craquelure across the black lacquer: natural ageing of resin varnish over time.
Darkened silver-leaf pigments on the figures: oxidisation over more than a century.
Gilding rubbed along the raised edges: decades of domestic handling and wiping.
Dimpled papier-mâché texture on the underside: late nineteenth-century moulded paper base.

This is an independent date and photo anotation report compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions
Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
70cm (27.56")
Depth
55cm (21.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA838562
Dealers Internal Reference
ML 2110
Dealers Notes

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.

Description
Decorative mid C19th Japanese export papier-mâché lacquer rectangular tray.
“
Skilfully decorated Japanese tray of good large proportions with a traditional landscape and genre scene , featuring a pavilion with mountains to the hinterland.
M Lees and Sons

. Seated and standing figures of geishas and bijins in conversational groups.

Of gently rounded corner and dished rectangular form .

In good original condition with only minor damage to lower corners and a slight bow when lain flat .

H 3”

W 28”

D 22”

Japan c. 1850

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Japanese Lacquer Papier-mache Tray to the 1880s.

Independent Date Report ID 06869934
Dealer's Item Date1880s
Sellingantiques dating1880s
Sellingantiques agingItem 125-165 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1880s:
Fine craquelure across the black lacquer: natural ageing of resin varnish over time.
Darkened silver-leaf pigments on the figures: oxidisation over more than a century.
Gilding rubbed along the raised edges: decades of domestic handling and wiping.
Dimpled papier-mâché texture on the underside: late nineteenth-century moulded paper base.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
70cm (27.56")
Depth
55cm (21.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA838562
Dealers Internal Ref
ML 2110
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2013

M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Lees and Sons Profile Page

Trade Associations

M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments.
1 / 9
Archive I A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments.

Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .

Archive II A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View II
Archive III A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View III
Archive IV A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View IV
Archive V A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View V
Archive VI A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View VI
Archive VII A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View VII
Archive VIII A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View VIII
Archive IX A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons
Telephone 07860 826218 or 01905 26620
Location
Tower House
1 Castle Place
Severn St
Worcester
WR1 2NB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified Since Feb 2013
Items For Sale 369
Items Sold 1,600
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Verified Since Feb 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Tower House, 1 Castle Place, Severn St, Worcester, WR1 2NB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified
Feb 2013
For Sale
369
Sold
1,600
A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments.
Decorative mid C19th Japanese export papier-mâché lacquer rectangular tray .
Ref: SA838562
A mid-19th century rectangular black lacquer papier-mache tray decorated with hand-painted Japanese figures, traditional structures, and landscape scenery in gold and polychrome pigments.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Trays
  • Period19th century
  • StyleJapanese Export (Edo/Meiji)
  • MaterialPapier-mache, Lacquer, Gilt
  • ColourBlack and Gold
  • MotifsFigurative narrative scene, Maki-e gilding, Curved rim, Polychrome foliage
  • SizeH 8 cm (3 in) x W 70 cm (28 in) x D 55 cm (22 in)

This mid-nineteenth century Japanese export tray is formed from black lacquer papier-mâché in a rectangular shape with gently rounded corners and a raised dished rim. The surface displays hand-painted gold and polychrome maki-e gilding depicting a narrative genre scene with geishas and bijins gathered in groups near a traditional pavilion, alongside mountains, foliage, and a large tree spreading across the right side. Minor damage appears at the lower corners, and the piece shows a slight bow when laid flat, alongside signs of age in the black and gold finish. Measuring 8 cm high, 70 cm wide, and 55 cm deep, this large decorative tray serves well as a display piece on a sideboard top in a gentleman's library or living area. It provides a flat surface for holding small decorative items or functions as a striking wall art panel when mounted securely. The muted gold motifs against the dark ground offer a traditional accent for formal interior schemes.

FAQs

Japanese export lacquerware refers to decorative lacquer items produced during the late Edo and Meiji periods specifically tailored for European and American markets. Craftsmen combined traditional East Asian lacquer techniques with Western utilitarian forms, such as tea trays, writing boxes, and cabinets.

These trays were crafted by pressing paper pulp mixed with adhesives into dense moulds, which were then dried and sanded smooth. Craftsmen applied multiple layers of natural tree sap lacquer (urushi), finishing the surface with detailed hand-painted gilding, pigments, or maki-e decoration.

Authentic period pieces exhibit a characteristic lightweight feel despite their rigid structure, fine micro-craquelure under magnification, and detailed hand-painted gold leaf decoration. The underside typically features plain dark lacquer, showing light signs of age-related surface wear.

A decorative lacquer tray can be positioned flat on a coffee table or sideboard to anchor smaller decorative accessories. Alternatively, mounted on a wall plate hanger or placed upright on a mantelpiece, it serves as framed figurative artwork.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, keeping the item away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity levels to prevent cracking. Never submerge papier-mache in water or apply liquid furniture polish, wax, or chemical cleansers.
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