Tray (2) - Pair of Vintage Brazilian Wooden Inlaid Trays with Real Morpho Butterfly Wings (1930s–1950s) – - Wood, Glass

04
days
12
hours
56
minutes
06
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Constance Rousseau
Expert
Selected by Constance Rousseau

Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.

Estimate  € 900 - € 1,000
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Rare pair of Brazilian wooden inlaid trays with real Morpho butterfly wings from the 1930s to the 1950s, in Art Deco style with a glass-protected central mosaic, measuring 52 × 33 cm and 47 × 28 cm, two objects, in good used condition with signs of age.

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Description from the seller

Rare Pair of Brazilian Vintage Wooden Inlaid Trays with Genuine Morpho Butterfly Wings (1930s/1950s) – Art Deco Elegance

Enter the exotic charm of yesteryear with this splendid and rare pair of artisanal serving trays, made in Brazil between the 1930s and 1950s. A perfect meeting point between the strict geometry of Art Deco and the organic sinuosity of Art Nouveau. This lot represents an object of exceptional historical and aesthetic value, closely tied to the world of artistic taxidermy and vintage entomology. The true heart of these pieces is the central mosaic, protected by an original glass: a hypnotic composition entirely handmade using real butterfly wings.

The famous electric blue and iridescent shades of the Morphos stand out, expertly combined with warm, amber, and speckled tones of other native species. Under light, the colors constantly shift, creating a vibrant, vivid, and three-dimensional visual effect. The frame and base are a masterpiece of cabinetmaking: a rich geometric inlay that blends various qualities of precious and exotic woods chosen for their warm grain and natural color contrasts. A unique opportunity for collectors.

If these objects were once coveted luxury souvenirs for transatlantic travelers, today they have become extremely rare to find, especially in such conservatively good condition. Butterfly wings are ultra-delicate organic materials, often subject to fading or time-induced deterioration; finding a coordinated pair of different dimensions (52x33 cm and 47x28 cm) that still preserves such chromatic vivacity is a goldmine for Naturalia collectors, lovers of exquisite taxidermy, and interior designers in search of a truly rare statement piece.

The trays are presented in generally good conservation condition, a factor that greatly increases their rarity. They show fascinating and genuine signs of time that attest to their authenticity and near-century history (as visible in photos). They require only light surface cleaning or perhaps a better polish to shine again and recover their original splendor. The wings retain exceptional natural luster and iridescence.

Technical Specifications:
Period: 1930s/1950s (20th Century)
Style: Art Deco / Art Nouveau / Vintage Taxidermy
Origin: Brazil
Materials: Various qualities of exotic woods, real butterfly wings (including blue Morpho), glass
Large Tray Dimensions: 52 x 33 cm
Small Tray Dimensions: 47 x 28 cm
Good conservation condition, with patina and signs of time. To be cleaned.

The pieces will be packed with the utmost care and protective materials to preserve the glass and delicate organic structure during shipping, which will be carried out with a well-known international courier and will be fully trackable and insured."

Rare Pair of Brazilian Vintage Wooden Inlaid Trays with Genuine Morpho Butterfly Wings (1930s/1950s) – Art Deco Elegance

Enter the exotic charm of yesteryear with this splendid and rare pair of artisanal serving trays, made in Brazil between the 1930s and 1950s. A perfect meeting point between the strict geometry of Art Deco and the organic sinuosity of Art Nouveau. This lot represents an object of exceptional historical and aesthetic value, closely tied to the world of artistic taxidermy and vintage entomology. The true heart of these pieces is the central mosaic, protected by an original glass: a hypnotic composition entirely handmade using real butterfly wings.

The famous electric blue and iridescent shades of the Morphos stand out, expertly combined with warm, amber, and speckled tones of other native species. Under light, the colors constantly shift, creating a vibrant, vivid, and three-dimensional visual effect. The frame and base are a masterpiece of cabinetmaking: a rich geometric inlay that blends various qualities of precious and exotic woods chosen for their warm grain and natural color contrasts. A unique opportunity for collectors.

If these objects were once coveted luxury souvenirs for transatlantic travelers, today they have become extremely rare to find, especially in such conservatively good condition. Butterfly wings are ultra-delicate organic materials, often subject to fading or time-induced deterioration; finding a coordinated pair of different dimensions (52x33 cm and 47x28 cm) that still preserves such chromatic vivacity is a goldmine for Naturalia collectors, lovers of exquisite taxidermy, and interior designers in search of a truly rare statement piece.

The trays are presented in generally good conservation condition, a factor that greatly increases their rarity. They show fascinating and genuine signs of time that attest to their authenticity and near-century history (as visible in photos). They require only light surface cleaning or perhaps a better polish to shine again and recover their original splendor. The wings retain exceptional natural luster and iridescence.

Technical Specifications:
Period: 1930s/1950s (20th Century)
Style: Art Deco / Art Nouveau / Vintage Taxidermy
Origin: Brazil
Materials: Various qualities of exotic woods, real butterfly wings (including blue Morpho), glass
Large Tray Dimensions: 52 x 33 cm
Small Tray Dimensions: 47 x 28 cm
Good conservation condition, with patina and signs of time. To be cleaned.

The pieces will be packed with the utmost care and protective materials to preserve the glass and delicate organic structure during shipping, which will be carried out with a well-known international courier and will be fully trackable and insured."

Details

Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
No
Number of objects
2
Material
Glass, Wood
Model
Pair of Vintage Brazilian Wooden Inlaid Trays with Real Morpho Butterfly Wings (1930s–1950s) –
Country of origin
Brazil
Style
Art Deco
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
3 cm
Width
52 cm
Depth
33 cm
Estimated period
1930-1950
Sold by
ItalyVerified
464
Objects sold
100%
Private

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