TAXIDERMY/ ENTOMOLOGY: BUTTERFLY WINGS TRAY, EARLY-MID 20TH CENTURY,

dozens of genuine butterfly wings displayed under glass. The glass painted black on the underside, with silhouette vignettes to reveal the wings displayed beneath - as four butterflies; the map of South America (with some countries painted other colours and labelled); and two circles with painted scenes of island hills and palm trees, and a boat with inscriptions ‘Rio de Janeiro’ and ‘Santos’ respectively. The blue skies and seas being formed by the striking iridescent wings of Giant Blue Morpho butterflies. All painting and lettering would have had to be done in reverse on the underside of the glass.

Mounted in wood as a tray, handles either side. With diagonal inlaid wood marquetry to surround.

Originally produced as a souvenir for the tourist trade in Brazil.

46.5cm wide x 28cm wide