Art Deco
—– 1930s’ Brazilian butterfly-wing drinks’ tray. Rio [de Janeiro], Brasil. Zitrin Irmaos. [1930s]

An original wooden drinks’ tray (circa 37 x 18cm) with integral side handles and wooden geometric border in marquetry surrounding the centrepiece in the shape of an inset glass panel protecting a cleverly assembled and harmonious Art Deco mosaic composed of iridescent taxidermic butterfly wings in subtle shades of lilac, white, beige, yellow, tan and dark brown; with impressed roundel to the base stamped “Zitrin Irmaos, Rio, Brasil”; a very good survival, with some surface wear to base and a few minor and light marks and scratches but, overall, a beautiful product.

The increase in tourism to Brasil in the 1920s and ‘30s saw an increase in production of these handmade items of folk art, known in Portuguese as “bandejas de borboletas”. They were sold as tourist souvenirs, combining wooden craftsmanship and the careful construction of designs using harvested butterfly wings.  The butterflies were usually farmed to service the industry.  Later restrictions on the practice mean that these original curiosities from the period are prized by collectors.  In the mid-century, and later, gaudier replicas were introduced to the marketplace.