A pair of incredibly rare antique papier mâché natural history diorama dishes

A pair of incredibly rare antique black papier mâché natural history diorama dishes. Circa 1880.

These intriguing dishes of scallop form each have a central hand-crafted miniature pond scene set under glass.

The pond scenes include beautifully constructed faux tortoise, which when given gentle agitation appear to swim, with their individual limbs, heads and tail all moving. The diorama also include tiny ceramic model Koi carp mounted on springs. These hand painted ceramic fish are mounted to give the appearance of them diving and swimming. The Koi and tortoise are framed by artificial flowers made in wool and silk. 

The level of detail and craftsmanship required to make these curiosities is incredible.

Possibly the result of a one-off commission, during a time when the fascination in natural history and the lure of the far east was becoming increasingly popular. Each dish has hand painted gilt decoration which has muted back nicely.

After extensive research we have been unable to find anything remotely comparable, with no others on the market.

The dishes have survived the ravages of time surprisingly well considering the delicate nature of papier mâché. 

Dimensions:-

Length – 17.2cm

Width – 13.3cm

Height – 4cm

Glass aperture – 8.7cm x 5.5cm approximately.

With age related wear and tear, although both are surprisingly in good condition.

The dishes remain all original with no repair or restoration.

The glass on one dish has dropped away from the papier mâché surface on one side, resulting in the glass no longer sitting level. 

One model Koi has become detached from its spring mount, however it remains inside the diorama.

Some losses of paint.

Each of the faux tortoise appear to be in good order.

Small surface cracks to the rear of the dishes as illustrated.