Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking large decorative charger constructed from papier-mâché or lightweight pressed composite with fine decoupage and hand-lacquered finishes. The central medallion features an anthropomorphic botanical engraving after the famous 19th-century French illustrator J.J. Grandville ('Les Fleurs Animées'), framed by Renaissance-revival grotesque and floral borders.
Story
In 1847, French caricaturist Grandville published whimsical engravings turning flowers into living women, creating an instant sensation across Europe. This piece lovingly collages his surreal botanical art onto a Victorian parlor charger.
Maker / Origin
While decorated after illustrations by Jean-Ignace-Isidore Gérard (known as J.J. Grandville, 1803–1847), the plate itself is an artisan or domestic decorative art piece. Victorian England and France celebrated decoupage ('potichomania' and lacquered paper crafts) as refined parlor arts, often utilizing book engravings to adorn black-lacquered homewares.
Condition & Value
Displays honest age-related wear including chipping, flaking, and loss of lacquer around the outer rim edge, with fine surface craquelure across the varnished front. Heavy wear and scuffing on the black reverse; the rim wear lowers value moderately by about 25-35%.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.