Just in from France, this extra large service tray from the c.1850-70 Napoleon III era, and the very popular (then) Japonaise and Chinoiserie (Orientalism) decorative style made popular by the Empress Eugeniea, wife of Louis-Napoloen, last Emperor of France. A Victorian era style that caught on broadly throughout Europe and to America, the Victorian era papier mache objects out of France in that era were often screened with images like you see on this fabulous old one. Suitable for a wonderful wall-art piece, or for your countertop to display your cut crystal barware, which is how these were often used in their time.
Very good to excellent for age and type. This one is not hand painted, but is screened or transfer ware (more often what we see from the French in this period) and it's still rich in golds and reds, vibrantly active scene with Samurai soldiers. Brilliant and shows beautifully. There are no chips, no cracks. There is some of the varnish along the inside of the outer raised rim that has perhaps lost varnish and is slightly rough, but more to be felt with the hand than seen. Might just want a coating of good varnish, but it looks beautiful in display just as it is. Full measurements are noted on the photos, but it is 22" x 17" and is a full inch in depth (raised rim). Fine old 19th century French papier mache!
