Hand painted enamel on this superb mid-1800s French serving tray. 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 entirely hand painted in rich raised enamels, and it's so rich in golds and reds, vibrantly active scene with a Golden Pheasant and blossoming branches. Just gorgeous! Brilliant and shows beautifully. There are no chips, no cracks. Really a superb piece! Very light evidence of use, no damage, and it looks beautiful in display just as it is. Full measurements are noted on the photos, but it is 20" x 15.75" and is .75" in depth at the raised outer lip. Fine old 19th century French papier mache!
