Guess what this tray is made from...

This tray's colorful design features a central Masonic square and compasses motif.  The colors are vibrant, but the texture seems unusual – not paint or ink.  Several of the tray’s motifs were made using butterfly wings.  The wings form the background and the small beach scenes at the corners.  The design is supplemented with black and gold elements that are reverse-painted on the glass that covers the bottom of the tray.

While at first glance this object might seem unusual, butterfly wing collectibles have been sold as travel souvenirs for decades.  Jewelry, trays and framed pictures were popular, not just with Masonic symbols, but also with scenic views and figures in traditional costumes.  Another butterfly wing picture in the National Heritage Museum collection is marked “Rio de Janeiro,” suggesting both its probable place of origin and its function as a travel keepsake.

Do you own a butterfly wing souvenir?  Do you know more about the history of these items?  Share your information with us in a comment!

Masonic Tray, 1930-1960.  National Heritage Museum, gift of Robert and Edith Zucker, 2008.021.24.  Photograph by David Bohl.

Comments

[Aimee E Newell]

Thanks so much for sharing the information about your tray! The note on the back is fascinating - and gives it a bit of a story. Are you thinking of donating the tray? If so, the Museum would certainly consider it as a gift. Or, if you are concerned about its condition, please feel free to contact me by email and I can provide additional information (anewell[at]monh.org). Thanks again for reading our blog and telling us about your tray!

[Kevin Claypool]

I Bought a tray made of butterfly wings very similar to this one displayed, Masonic symbol in the middle with an island seen with iridecent wings for the sky and water and Monarch wings for the outlines. I bought it at an estate sale 2 years ago. The most interesting thing is that there is a note on the back. It is definatly from Brasil, inscripted of the from and the note on the back reads " Art, This was made with butterfly wings. It was bought in Brazil by and old Sea Captain in the early 1900's. It was given to me by his son when I was raised. I thought you would like it." -Joe Ricca

The letter is very old and there is slight deterioration of the wings, but the colors are still very vibrant. What should I do with it?