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The composition is exquisite. Each panel is laid out to take
full advantage of the contrasting colors and textures of the exotic and
valuable materials. |
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The mitering of the corners is exquisite. |
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Ivory, pewter, rosewood ebony and stained ivory were cut into faceted rods
which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set,
the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number
of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of
patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways.
The ivory was sometimes dyed green as here to give an extra colour |
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The box has a working lock and key |
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The box opens to a fitted sewing tray which is also decorated with Sadeli
mosaic. The upper part of the lid has a framed lift out mirror. |
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Even the facings are inlaid with mosaic. |
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The box has five turned ivory spools and a small ivory thimble. |
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The finely turned ivory spools are decorated with mosaic. |
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The framed mirror opens down to reveal a velvet lined compartment. It
is not unusual as here for the mirror not to be finished on the back. |
