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
Sewing  Boxes 
 Sewing Boxes
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Antique Sewing Box in rosewood and bird's eye maple, circa 1830.
Antique sewing box in rosewood and bird's eye maple. 

The marquetry on this box draws its inspiration from native plants. The treatment is  formal. Note the strong treatment of the fern pattern. The central mother of pearl motif is not symmetrically arranged, but it is contained within a very precise boundary. 

The work is very fine. The surface retains the original finish.

 Circa 1830.

It measures: 12.25 " wide by 9.3" and 6" tall. 

sbba2513.jpg (36996 bytes)

Detail showing the contrasting woods and the fine yet robust treatment of the inlaid motifs. 

The box stands on turned rosewood feet.

The box stands on turned feet and has turned handles.
Back view which shows the strong striations of the figured rosewood. The hinges are of the early "double" form.
sbba2517.jpg (51335 bytes) The top showing the beautifully orchestrated design and the central raised panel surrounded by gadrooning. 

 

This image can be clicked to magnify.

Detail showing the exquisite mother of pearl work and detail of the wood figure.
The lift out tray is sectioned for sewing tools. The paper and metal edging are original, but the velvet covers are more recent.  
The front tops and the central top lift out to reveal spaces for storing small sewing items. The two smaller ones are fitted pin cushions. 

This box is featured in our forthcoming book on Antique Boxes www.hygra.com/cover

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

We have written a highly  illustrated book on Antique Boxes and Tea caddies  which is being  published by  Schiffer Books USA. 

  © 2002 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly