ANTIQUE BOXES at the Sign of the Hygra 2 Middleton Road London E8 4BL Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7254 7074 email: boxes@hygra.com Antique Boxes in English Society 1760 -1900 by ANTIGONE JEWELLERY BOXES and EMPTY BOXES JEWELLERY BOXES and EMPTY BOXES Home e-mail Contents   Up   Thumbs

Rare Regency Rosewood and Penwork Box Circa 1810

This is a well proportioned box combining many features characteristic of the late 18th and early 19th century.  It is veneered in thick saw cut veneers of Brazilian rosewood and features the original drop carrying handles. The box is framed in maple which is decorated with a stylized design in penwork. The centre is decorated with a hand coloured print of a classical scene surrounded by a gold leaf decorated with penwork. The print and penwork show signs of wear but fortunately no inappropriate restoration has been attempted. This box is a rare item and has a strong period look. Size in cm:34 length(13.6 inches) 28 deep and 14 tall. Detail of the top showing the very strong neo classical influence both in the stylized border and the classical figures of the central print. The inside of the box is in good original condition, covered in the original pink paper and silk.  The lift out tray has further divisions.  There is a deep space under the tray. Two smaller boxes with sliding lids fit in spaces in the tray.  There is also a pin cushion which slides out of its allotted space on the tray.         The sides showing the continuation of the design and the handles.

For the historical context of this writing box read the relevant part of Antigone's Online Antique Box Book. If you click here you will go there.

© 1999 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly