A papier-mâché crumb tray shaped as a scallop shell, in the 19th-century manner. The fluted shell rises to a handle pierced with an oval grip. Inside, the black lacquer is covered all over in a fine gilt pattern of small leaf sprigs set in a trellis, which shifts with the light across the ribs of the shell. The underside is plain black.
Made to sweep crumbs from the table, it now works as a catch-all on a hall table or a decorative piece on a shelf.
Measurements: 12 inches long, 10 inches wide, 2 inches deep.
CONDITION
Rubbing to the gilt pattern in the centre, wear to the rim edges showing the core, and small losses of lacquer on the underside along the ribs.
DETAILS
Form — crumb tray, shell shape
Length — 12 in / 30 cm
Width — 10 in / 25 cm
Depth — 2 in / 5 cm
Material — papier-mâché, black lacquer, gilt decoration
Period — 19th century, on style