(Tray) Batea
17th or 18th century
1 of 2
Object Label
THE MOSTRADOR
At banquets and other social occasions, mostradores—flights of steps covered with rich textiles (seen at upper left of illustration)— displayed a household’s finest and most valuable objects. These pieces of furniture were particularly ideal for showcasing silver and gilt-silver trays. Imported porcelain, glass, ivory, and lacquer objects were also ostentatiously exhibited, alongside locally made lacquerware and earthenware cups. In Mexico, round lacquerware trays (bateas), often decorated with religious and mythological subjects, coats of arms, or chinoiserie (Chinese motifs), were particularly prized.
At banquets and other social occasions, mostradores—flights of steps covered with rich textiles (seen at upper left of illustration)— displayed a household’s finest and most valuable objects. These pieces of furniture were particularly ideal for showcasing silver and gilt-silver trays. Imported porcelain, glass, ivory, and lacquer objects were also ostentatiously exhibited, alongside locally made lacquerware and earthenware cups. In Mexico, round lacquerware trays (bateas), often decorated with religious and mythological subjects, coats of arms, or chinoiserie (Chinese motifs), were particularly prized.
Caption
(Tray) Batea, 17th or 18th century. Lacquered and painted wood with inlaid lacquer decoration, 4 13/16 x 41 13/16 in. (12.2 x 106.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 41.227. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
(Tray) Batea
Date
17th or 18th century
Medium
Lacquered and painted wood with inlaid lacquer decoration
Classification
Dimensions
4 13/16 x 41 13/16 in. (12.2 x 106.2 cm)
Credit Line
A. Augustus Healy Fund
Accession Number
41.227
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