Tray was created by Henry Clay in first half 19th century.

When was "Tray" created?

This artwork was created first half 19th century.

What medium is "Tray"?

Tray is Black lacquered, painted and gilded papier-mâché.

Is "Tray" in the public domain?

Yes, Tray is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Tray

Henry Clay

first half 19th century

Medium

Black lacquered, painted and gilded papier-mâché

Dimensions

Overall: 2 1/4 × 31 × 23 in. (5.7 × 78.7 × 58.4 cm)

Classification

Papier Mâché

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of George E. Dix, 1999

Accession Number

1999.50.10

Art Historical Context

This elegant tray, crafted by British japanner Henry Clay in the first half of the 19th century exemplifies the golden age of papier-mâché decorative arts in England. Made from lightweight, moldable papier-mâché coated in black lacquer, then meticulously painted and gilded, it measures an impressive 31 by 23 inches—perfect for serving tea or displaying confections in a genteel Victorian parlor. Clay, a master from Staffordshire, was renowned for his innovative firm, which popularized these affordable yet luxurious objects amid Britain's growing middle class. The tray's black ground, adorned w...

Tray

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