What is a Victorian papier-mache tray?

A Victorian papier-mache tray is a decorative serving vessel made from compressed, lacquered paper pulp or pasted paper sheets, popularised in Britain during the 19th century.

How were 19th-century papier-mache trays manufactured?

Sheets of paper were saturated with paste, pressed into molds, baked to harden, and subsequently treated with multiple layers of black asphaltum varnish before being decorated by hand.

How can one identify authentic Victorian papier-mache decorative items?

Authentic period pieces typically feature dense construction, heavy japanned lacquer finishes, hand-painted floral or botanical artwork, gilt gilding, and light craquelure or surface age marks.

How should a floral ebonised tray be incorporated into contemporary decor?

These decorative objects can be placed flat on a coffee table or sideboard to group glassware, or supported upright on a plate stand as artwork.

What is the correct method for cleaning antique papier-mache objects?

Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid using water, chemical detergents, or abrasive cleaners, as moisture can soften the historical lacquer and damage hand-painted details.

for sale €527 $572

£450

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

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Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

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Black Lacquered Tray

Chinoiserie Tea Tray

Chinoiserie Serving Tray

Hand Painted Papier Mache

Papier Mache Serving Tray

Id #SA994160

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Antique English Victorian Ebonised Chinoiserie Floral Papier Mâché Drinks Butlers Serving Tray (Circa 1870)

19th century

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

Summary:

• Item: Victorian Chinoiserie Tray

• Circa: 1870

• Period: Victorian

• Provenance: England, UK

• Papier Mâché construction

• Oval shape

• Raised border

• Depicts floral arrangement

• Gilt painted border foliate decoration

• Ideal as decorative display tray / drinks tray

• Stunning craftsmanship

• Exceptional quality

• Good original condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• Free 14-day UK returns policy

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian chinoiserie tray, depicting a floral arrangement, circa 1860, in good original condition. The tray is constructed of papier mâché and decorated with a finely gilded foliate motifs on a raised oval border, encompassing a painted floral arrangement, flanked by further floral gilt detail around the border, which incorporates gorgeous attention to detail. The detail in the painted gilt work is also stunning. The serving tray is decorative and ideal for use as either a drink’s tray or for ornamental display in the home. It is solid in joint and ready-to-use.

This Victorian chinoiserie tray would look superb in a variety of rooms from the living or dining room. The tray would certainly grace any home or office and would be a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own such a lovely piece.

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian chinoiserie tray, depicting a floral arrangement, circa 1860, in good original condition. There is nominal old use ware to the tray edges. Minor old use marks, scuffs, scratches and general ageing to the finish are present to the tray; which is consistent with use of over the years (please see photos), but nothing significant considering its age. It remains a very attractive rare piece which is perfectly functional. There are no splits to the trays. The detail in the painted gilt work and mother-of-pearl inlay is of a very high stand and intact - it shows that the craftsmanship is second to none. This Victorian serving tray in joint and ready to use.

Price:

The price for this item is £450, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and free 14-day returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA (the UK’s largest Trade Association of Professional Art and Antique Dealers) and CINOA.

Ref 78290

Physical Dimensions

Height

3.5cm (1.38")

Width

63.5cm (25.00")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Tray to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA994160

Dealers Internal Reference

78290

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

Summary:

• Item: Victorian Chinoiserie Tray

• Circa: 1870

• Period: Victorian

• Provenance: England, UK

• Papier Mâché construction

• Oval shape

• Raised border

• Depicts floral arrangement

• Gilt painted border foliate decoration

fig 1. An oval ebonised papier-mache serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral bouquet centrepiece surrounded by gilt scrollwork detailing along the rim. — fig 1. Antique English Victorian Ebonised Chinoiserie Floral Papier Mâché Drinks Butlers Serving Tray (Circa 1870)

• Ideal as decorative display tray / drinks tray

• Stunning craftsmanship

• Exceptional quality

• Good original condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• Free 14-day UK returns policy

“

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian chinoiserie tray, depicting a floral arrangement, circa 1860, in good original condition.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

The tray is constructed of papier mâché and decorated with a finely gilded foliate motifs on a raised oval border, encompassing a painted floral arrangement, flanked by further floral gilt detail around the border, which incorporates gorgeous attention to detail. The detail in the painted gilt work is also stunning. The serving tray is decorative and ideal for use as either a drink’s tray or for ornamental display in the home. It is solid in joint and ready-to-use.

fig 2. An oval ebonised papier-mache serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral bouquet centrepiece surrounded by gilt scrollwork detailing along the rim. — fig 2. Antique English Victorian Ebonised Chinoiserie Floral Papier Mâché Drinks Butlers Serving Tray (Circa 1870)

This Victorian chinoiserie tray would look superb in a variety of rooms from the living or dining room. The tray would certainly grace any home or office and would be a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own such a lovely piece.

fig 3. An oval ebonised papier-mache serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral bouquet centrepiece surrounded by gilt scrollwork detailing along the rim. — fig 3. Antique English Victorian Ebonised Chinoiserie Floral Papier Mâché Drinks Butlers Serving Tray (Circa 1870)

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian chinoiserie tray, depicting a floral arrangement, circa 1860, in good original condition. There is nominal old use ware to the tray edges. Minor old use marks, scuffs, scratches and general ageing to the finish are present to the tray; which is consistent with use of over the years (please see photos), but nothing significant considering its age. It remains a very attractive rare piece which is perfectly functional. There are no splits to the trays. The detail in the painted gilt work and mother-of-pearl inlay is of a very high stand and intact - it shows that the craftsmanship is second to none. This Victorian serving tray in joint and ready to use.

fig 4. An oval ebonised papier-mache serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral bouquet centrepiece surrounded by gilt scrollwork detailing along the rim. — fig 4. Antique English Victorian Ebonised Chinoiserie Floral Papier Mâché Drinks Butlers Serving Tray (Circa 1870)

Price:

The price for this item is £450, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and free 14-day returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA (the UK’s largest Trade Association of Professional Art and Antique Dealers) and CINOA.

Ref 78290