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Description:
Ref: 644WB
http://hygra.com/uk/n11/644WB  
Rare polychrome penwork writing slope the center of the top depicting a  trading caravan on the Silk Road. A central trader is aloft an elephant with outriders on horseback. This is one of the "classic" penwork compositions  There is another version of this image on http://www.hygra.com/penwork/pen2tc.htm The surround and the sides are painted in a more formal manner albeit with flowers and leaves. The blooms are are stylized and the arrangement is symmetrical and orderly in the neoclassical manner of the late 18th Century. The box dates from the short pivotal period between neoclassism and naturalism.
This box is a slightly earlier form to http://hygra.com/uk/wb/wb111/index.htm   The sloping surface lifts to reveal a velvet writing surface with a place for storing papers beneath and compartments for inkwells and pens. The ink-stained paper lining is original. There are embossed lion head ring handles to the sides. Circa 1800.

Origin: UK ;  Circa:  1800; Materials: penwork decorated sycamore on a pine carcass.

Size: 28 cm wide by23  cm by 82 cm:  11  inches wide by  9 inches by  3.2  inches.

Condition: good overall; there is some wear to the penwork especially at the back.  working lock and key; see images.

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This box is a slightly earlier form to http://hygra.com/uk/wb/wb111/index.htm 

from about 1800 the top  of  writing slopes tended to be made in two parts, one to cover the accessories the other for the slope.

There is another version of this image on a tea caddy of the same period:

The back of the caddy is decorated with a scene of a trading caravan with an then exotic elephant. This is one of the "classic" penwork compositions.

 

See: http://www.hygra.com/penwork/pen2tc.htm 

The central image is framed by depictions of flowers. Unusually the image has been highlighted with color.  

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