Right: this illustrated selection at Bonhams, shows (clockwise from top left); a George III pair of tôle chestnut urns, 113/4in (30cm) high – £820; three graduated Victorian papier-mâché plates with gilt scroll and polychrome floral decoration – £120; a late 19th/early 20th century caged twin bird automaton, 11in (28cm) high – £380; an early 20th century Swiss lacquered singing bird box with gilt stars and lacquered lid in a leather case, 4in (10cm) wide – £720; a pair of late 19th century black lacquered papier-mâché baskets with pierced sides, gilt line decoration and brass handles, 9in (23cm) wide – £580 (estimate £100-150).
Papier-mâché is the new black
“Black lacquered papier-mâché is back in vogue after a couple of years in the doldrums,” said Bonhams’ David Houlston, hailing one of the most successful components of November Chester sale on 6-8 November. This material was a decorative complement to the crepuscular interiors of Victorian houses and Mr Houlston believes that its resurgence is due to the ingenuity of modern decorators who have found brighter uses for the black.
