A rarely seen large and very impressive Chinese Export Laquer Tea Tray, Canton or Shanghai ca. 1850. Chinese Export laquerware was a popular luxury item in the homes of wealthy New Englanders and others involved in the China Trade. Tea caddies and sewing boxes are the most generally seen examples of this delicate art form.
A large export laquer tray is a considerable rarity. Due to the usage, and effects of time very few examples of this form have survived. This fine piece exhibits top quality laquer work in its beautiful highly detailed central design representing a mandarin tea service and in its delicate borders.
This tray is in amazing original condition for a piece of its size. Color and artwork are excellent and the surface shows no evidence of use whatever! The laquer shows no losses. Some vertical age cracks and slight curling endemic to export laquer is due to shrinkage of the wood body beneath the laquer are present. While small pieces in export laquer can sometimes be found in excellent untouched ccondition, a large flat surface in the condition of this example is truly rare.
This beautiful and impressive export laquer tray which has been in our personal collection for many years is a fine piece for the knowledgeable collector of China Trade antiques.
Dimensions: length 20", width 15 1/2"
Price: $650.00
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