Antique Napoléon III Crumb Tray & Brush — Chinoiserie Black Lacquer, French, 19th Century

This beautiful Napoleon III crumb tray with its matching brush is crafted in black lacquered papier-mâché and decorated with gilt chinoiserie motifs.
Typical of mid-19th-century French decorative arts, the piece reflects the era’s fascination with exotic motifs interpreted through European craftsmanship.

The oval form, with softly scalloped edges and gilt trim, frames a finely detailed Asian-inspired scene, where figures and landscape unfold in gold against a deep black ground. The matching brush extends the decorative language of the tray, creating a cohesive set where function becomes almost secondary to ornament.

A true masterpiece for a crumb tray, the richness of its decoration immediately stands out — the delicacy and precision of the scenery are remarkably detailed, making it a beautiful collector’s piece that brings character and depth to an interior.

Dimensions
Tray: 31 × 26 × 5 cm
Brush: approx. 32 × 8 × 4 cm

Condition
Very good antique condition with well-preserved colour and light wear to the gilt consistent with age. Please refer to the photos for details.