Pair of Papier Mache Vases

The vases were supplied to Lady Hertford for her new Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam c1830. They were made by the Birmingham firm of Jennens and Bettridge who had just patented their new technique of inlaying mother-of-pearl with papier mache making it an almost faultless imitation of Japanese lacquer. The gilt bronze mounts and handles which terminate in dragon heads are likewise in imitation of mid 18th century French taste.

The Chinese Room at Temple Newsam acquired its present appearance c1827 when Lady Hertford installed the hand-painted Chinese wallpaper given to her and her mother by the Prince of Wales on his visit in 1806. She retained her mother's neo-Classical features but also incorporated Japanese lacquer cupboards and French 18th century boiseries making the interior a heavy mix of eclecticism, entirely characteristic of aristocratic taste during the Regency.

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