Curvaceous Papier mâché caddy with chinoiserie decoration stamped Jennens & Bettridge, circa 1845.

The oriental scenes are executed with inlaid mother of pearl which is painted and gilded. 

The elaborate shape exploits the plasticity of the medium.

It measures 9.75 inches wide  by  6.75 inches deep and it is 5.5 inches  high including feet: 250cm wide by 140cm deep by 17cm high.

 http://www.hygra.com/material.htm#papm 

 In 1825 mother of pearl inlay technique was developed, by Jennens and Bettridge using a method for which they were granted a patent; it was mostly painted over with tinted varnishes giving an iridescent effect.

 

 The shape of this caddy fully uses the possibilities offered by papier mâchè 

The painting and composition is of exceptionally fine quality, which suggests the work of the artist Alsager or another one of the trained artists who decorated important pieces.   

Inside the caddy has twin lidded compartments. 

It is not only the shape which marks this caddy out as special. it is also the Chinoiserie inspired decoration which is all the more vibrant for its inlaid slivers of mother of pearl and abalone.

 Detail: the top is decorated in abalone and mother of pearl.

The shell was mostly painted over giving an iridescent effect.

The caddy is marked on the underside "Jennens and Bettridge Makers to the Queen" (Victoria)

This mark dates the caddy to after 1839.

In 1815 Jennens and Bettridge  took over Henry Clay’s workshops. Henry Clay was the first papier mâchè box maker to hold the Royal warrant. 

Jennens and Bettridge expanded both the popularity and decorative styles of the medium of  Papier mâché.