Although the underside of this table is not marked, the tray can be attributed to the firm of Henry Clay (1772 - d. 1812) who were japanners and papier-mâché manufacturers in London and Birmingham until the middle of the 19th century. The whimsical chinosierie decoration is particularly unusual, not only for its subject matter which reflects the taste of the Prince Regent, but also for its execution in brilliant polychrome japanning on a shaded powdered gold ground.

A tray, certainly from the same manufacturer, was sold Sotheby's New York, Important English Furniture & Decorations from a Private Collection, 21 October 2005, lot 2 (hammer price $24,000)