This matching crumb tray and brush set dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. Both pieces are constructed from black lacquered papier-mâché, or boiled paper, in the Napoleon III style. The set features hand-painted polychrome and gilt narrative scenes in the Chinoiserie manner. The tray has a lobed rim with a circular finger-hole. Its central well is decorated with a scene depicting figures in a landscape, including a figure on horseback, an attendant with a large parasol, and a seated musician playing a biwa. The background contains stylized pavilions and foliage. The matching curved brush shows figures on a bridge or terrace. The handle transition is decorated with small white shell inlays, possibly mother-of-pearl, shaped as blossoms. The brush is fitted with natural hair bristles. There are no visible maker’s marks or signatures.
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