Tray - Ebony Tray

Exclusive Vintage Ebony Tray from the Art Deco era with a Taxidermy Collection of Real Tropical Butterflies (1930s/1950s) – Rare Wunderkammer Piece An artwork intended to catch the eye and ignite the desire of collectors and lovers of eclectic design. This splendid handcrafted tray, made in Brazil between the 1930s and 1950s, stands radically apart from more common period productions: it does not feature a simple geometric mosaic of wing fragments, but houses a true taxidermy collection of whole butterfly specimens, carefully arranged and protected by the original glass. At the center of the composition reign two wonderful Morpho butterflies, famous for their electric blue iridescence that shifts shade with the angle of light. Around them unfolds an extraordinary entomological variety: iridescent, striped, amber, yellow and brown butterflies, recreating the enchantment and biodiversity of South American rainforests right before your eyes. A true natural history display, worthy of a Wunderkammer (Cabinet of Wonders) or an old-fashioned cabinet of natural sciences. The Art of Cabinet-Mmaking and of Geometric Detailing. The craftsmanship does not stop at the taxidermy. The structure is composed of a solid body in precious wood, enriched by a high-quality inlay of exotic woods with geometric motifs. The millimeter precision of the color harmonies of the exotic woods creates a clean and elegant transition, perfectly recalling the taste and geometric rigor of Art Deco. An exceptionally rare piece. Finding period trays that preserve whole butterflies in this state of preservation is extremely rare today. Being organic material extremely delicate, most specimens have suffered irreparable damage over the decades. This piece (generously sized at 52 x 34.5 cm) is not only a functional tray, but a precious statement piece of furniture to proudly display on a wall, a console, or within an antique collection. The tray is presented in good overall conservation condition, an exceptional factor for an organic piece nearly a century old. The specimens retain incredible natural luster and iridescence. Aesthetic notes include fascinating and genuine signs of age: specifically, in the lower part there are small stains (perhaps due to light-era humidity), which, if desired, can be easily removed with localized restoration or a thorough cleaning, as clearly visible in the attached photographs. The item simply needs a superficial cleaning to shine again. Technical Specifications Period: 1930s / 1950s (20th Century) Style: Art Deco / Cabinet of Curiosities / Vintage Taxidermy Origin: Brazil Materials: Various grades of exotic precious woods, real whole specimens of tropical butterflies, original glass Dimensions: 52 x 34.5 cm Condition: Good conservational state with a patina of the era. Small humidity stains on the lower part (removable). To be cleaned. Given the extreme delicacy of the organic specimens and the glass, the item will be professionally packed and shipped via a well-known international express courier with fully tracked and insured shipping.

Estimate:$898.78

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