Hygra: Antique Coromandel Fully fitted Sewing Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Circa 1840.

ANTIQUE BOXES
at the Sign of the Hygra
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London E8 4BL
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Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
Sewing Boxes

Sewing Boxes

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Antique Coromandel Fully fitted Sewing Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Circa 1840.

An superb fully fitted shaped early Victorian coromandel sewing box with fine inlay of engraved mother of pearl and white metal, having turned drop handles and standing on turned and carved feet. The inside having mother of pearl spools and sewing tools including tape measure and waxer. Circa 1840.

It measures: 12.1" wide by 8.6" and 7" tall (including feet).

This Image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Detail showing the carefully structured top which combines concave forms and moldings to give a robust and yet elegant architectural quality to the shape of the box.

Detail showing the turned loop and ring handles and turned and carved feet. Also the base which gives added strength to the composition.

Front view which shows the inlaid design which although arranged for balance is not totally symmetrical. It also tends towards a fluid interpretation of natural forms without abandoning control of composition.

This image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

End view showing the handle construction and the color and figure of the wood.

Detail showing the top.

Detail showing the movement in the design.

Inside the box is a treat. The original red water silk is almost in perfect condition. The paper is also remarkably clean.

The spools have finely turned and carved tops in mother of pearl.

The silk framed mirror is an unusual feature. This part folds down into an envelope.

This image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Spools and tools.
Central part.


The tray lifts out to reveal a space for needle work. The lineing paper is all original.

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.