Papier-mâché

Papier-mâché is a paper-based modelling material. The Metropolitan Museum of Art describes furniture production using both glued layers of paper over a shaped core and paper pulp pressed in moulds. The material name alone therefore does not establish how a component was made.

Furniture can combine materials

One documented museum example is the Met chair, object number 1975.1.2066. It combines wood, papier-mâché, black lacquer, painted and gilded decoration, mother-of-pearl and a caned seat. This example shows why furniture should not be described as entirely papier-mâché without examining its construction.

Document before treatment

Practical suggestion: Photograph the whole object, underside, joints and already exposed broken edges. Describe what you can actually see. Do not create a new break or scrape away decoration to test the material. Record loose components and earlier repairs, and clarify conservation or restoration before intervention.

Material identification does not establish maker, age or price. Preserve labels and information about ownership history and origin as separate evidence.

Browse interiors and antiques at OBA, or send photographs of an object for assessment and possible purchase.