This is an unusual and stunning quality antique Victorian Sorrento ware olive wood butlers’ tray and stand, which incorporates a chessboard to one side and a landscape scene to the other side, circa 1860, in excellent original condition.
Summary
• Item Butlers’ Tray
• Circa 1860
• Period Victorian
• Provenance Italy
• Wood Olive wood
• Sorrento ware
• Intricate satinwood and burr yew wood inlay
• Detachable tray
• Shaped gallery
• Chessboard to one side
• Landscape scene to other side
• Stunning inlay work
• Olive wood carrying handles
• Removable tray pegs
• Ring turned folding base
• Completely original
• Original polish
• Exceptional quality
• Excellent condition
• Free 14 day UK returns policy
This is an unusual and stunning quality antique Victorian Sorrento ware olive wood butlers’ tray and stand, circa 1870, in excellent original condition. This style of tray and level of inlay detail, would suggest that is originates from Italy. It was probably introduced to England after the grand tour, when wealthy aristocrats would travel to Italy and return with souvenirs. To the perimeter of the tray, is a shaped gallery, with removable turned pegs, which secures the tray to the stand. The stand features a chessboard to one side, which incorporates satinwood and burr yew wood squares and satinwood string inlay. The chessboard side is flanked by fabulous small delicate floral inlay, which is constructed of satinwood, boxwood and olive wood. If you turn the tray over, there is a landscape scene featuring a flight of swallows perched on a tree in mid flower, with two more in mid flight. The quality of craftsmanship and inlay and which has created this scene is outstanding and rarely seen. A burr yew section borders the natural scene with several further satinwood string inlay borders near the edge of the tray. To either side of the tray are hinged olive wood handles. The tray sits and is secured to a ring turned olive wood folding base with connecting stretchers. A cotton strap at the top of the stand stops the base collapsing. The stand retains its original brass pins and wing nuts.
This tray and table is a truly classic example of Italian Sorrento ware from the Victorian period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed in this piece makes it a stunning wooden work of art. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition but also completely original.
The tray features a rich mellow olive wood colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms from the hallway to living or dining room. This item would certainly grace any home or office and a great investment, as they are an extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report
It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition but also is also completely original. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed in this piece makes it a stunning wooden work of art. Importantly, the inlay on both sides of the table is all original, complete and intact. There are no splits to the top either. There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges and French polish but nothing significant considering the age of the item and years of use. The wooden tray, stand and wooden handles are all sturdy. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions
Height = 77.5cm or 29¾” or 2ft 5¾”
Width = 63.5cm or 25” or 2ft 1”
Depth = 41cm or 16” or 1ft 4”