Object of the Day: An Antique Papier Mache Crumb Catcher

Often called “Silent Butlers,” these papier mache objects were usually accompanied by a decorative brush which was used to sweep crumbs from a tablecloth and into this shallow receptacle. This crumb catcher dates to the middle of the Nineteenth Century and is most likely English in origin. What’s unusual about this particular “Silent Butler” is its shape. Often, these items took a shell-shape with a scalloped bottom. This one features a stylized asian shape which fits nicely with the scene that was painted on the front.

The painted scene depicts Asian villagers gathering food. Their clothes have been rendered in gold paint. Their faces are inset Mother-of-Pearl. Large rusty-red flowers surround the entire scene and offer a distinctly Chinoiserie touch to the piece.

For an object whose main purpose was strictly utilitarian, the fact that this item remains at all is something of a triumph. Not only has this delicate papier mache crumb catcher survived, it has done so in remarkably good condition.

Object of the Day: A Victorian Papier Mache "Silent Butler"

During the Victorian era, The English had a tool for everything and made sure that each one of them was as attractive as possible. This Papier Mache crumb catcher is testament to that. Also known as a “Silent Butler,” crumb catchers such as this one were staples of fine dining rooms. With an accompanying brush, crumbs would be swiped from a table cloth into this shallow bowl. Constructed of countless layers of Papier Mache, this scalloped receptacle is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and hand-painted with a Chinoiserie scene and abstract decorations.

As is the case with most Papier Mache objects, few of these Silent Butlers remain. Rarer still are complete sets which include the accompanying brush. Asian scenes such as this one were a popular motif of the time. Others are adorned with winding painted roses and violets in bright reds, blues and purples. Usually black, I’ve also seen Silent Butlers in a bright Chinese Red. While some might consider such tools to be the height of Victorian formality, I regard them as evidence of their love of combining functionality with beauty.