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Antique Vietnamese Nguyễn Dynasty Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Tray – Khảm Xà Cừ – c. 1880–1920
Offered here is a highly decorative antique Vietnamese hardwood tray featuring extensive hand-cut and engraved mother-of-pearl shell inlay.
The tray is decorated in the traditional Vietnamese khảm xà cừ technique, with elaborate flowering vines, blossoms, foliage, birds, insects and circular medallions arranged around a large central serving field. Additional mother-of-pearl decoration continues around the raised outer border.
The shell has beautiful natural iridescence, displaying different shades of cream, pink, green, lavender and blue as the light changes.
The workmanship and decorative style are consistent with Vietnamese mother-of-pearl-inlaid objects produced during the later Nguyễn Dynasty, likely dating to approximately 1880–1920.
Vietnamese craftsmen were renowned for intricate shell-inlaid hardwood objects during this period, particularly trays, boxes, furniture and scholar’s objects. Antique examples may variously be described as Vietnamese, Annamese, Tonkinese, Indochinese or French Indochina work.
PLEASE NOTE ATTRIBUTION:
This piece was previously identified as possibly Chinese/Qing because of its strong Chinese-influenced decorative vocabulary. Comparison with Vietnamese khảm xà cừ examples indicates that Vietnamese / late Nguyễn Dynasty is the more likely attribution. No maker’s documentation or provenance accompanies the tray, so the attribution and date are based upon its materials, construction and decorative characteristics.
Measurements: Approx. 24.5” long × 15.5” wide.
Details:
Origin: Vietnam
Period: Late Nguyễn Dynasty / French Colonial Indochina era
Estimated Date: c. 1880–1920
Material: Hardwood, mother-of-pearl/shell
Technique: Vietnamese khảm xà cừ inlay
Form: Serving / tea / decorative tray
Condition: Antique condition with inlay losses and age-related wear; see photographs
CONDITION – PLEASE READ:
Antique condition with considerable age-related wear and losses.
There are numerous missing or damaged pieces of mother-of-pearl throughout the design. Dark recessed areas are visible where some inlay has been lost. Other shell pieces exhibit age-related wear.
The hardwood has scratches, scuffs, surface marks, finish wear, discoloration and areas of darkening. The central serving field shows visible evidence of use.
There is also wear to the outer frame and edges, including small nicks, abrasions and visible opening/separation at portions of the constructed joints. Dark accumulated material/residue is present within some crevices and around portions of the inlay.
Importantly, a large amount of the original mother-of-pearl decoration survives, including numerous finely engraved birds, flowers, leaves and other motifs.
The tray has not been professionally restored. Its wear and imperfections are part of its antique character.
Please enlarge and examine all photographs carefully. The photographs are part of the condition description and show the inlay losses and wear in detail.
A visually impressive survivor of Vietnamese decorative craftsmanship and a beautiful display piece for a collection of Southeast Asian, Vietnamese, Indochinese or Asian antiques.
