Description:
SB492: An impressive sewing box veneered in saw cut highly figured coromandel, fitted with mother of pearl sewing tools.
Circa 1835.

The form of the box is in the tradition of the second phase of neoclassicism. It is constructed so as to convey the solidity and the structural sophistication of an Egyptian temple.

The interior is fitted with a set of ten (!) spools and other tools, arranged in a tray lined in patterned paper and having compartments lidded in purple velvet.

Origin: UK

Circa: 1835

Materials:

Size:  32.5 cm wide by 26 cm by 20.5 cm:   12.8 inches wide by   10.2 inches by  8.1  inches.

Condition: good overall; see images

The form of the box is in the tradition of the second phase of neoclassicism. It is constructed so as to convey the solidity and the structural sophistication of an Egyptian temple.

The interior is fitted with a set of ten (!) spools and other tools, arranged in a tray lined in patterned paper and having compartments lidded in purple velvet.

The side showing a mother of pearl finished handle.

The front of the box showing two ‘pillars’ suggesting the upward movement of the eye as they taper towards the top of the box, which in turn suggests the pediment of a classical structure.

The top of the box is accented in mother of pearl carved in the form of an inverted squared patera design, another reference to classicism. The figure of the wood is taken full advantage of.

The top on its own.

The interior. The mirror is in my opinion a later addition.

Detail of tray showing the ten spools, waxer and needle cleaner; an impressive assembly.

The spools are of the later type, after 1830, with metal slip on stems.

Detail of beautifully turned and carved spool.

Other tools.

Working lock and key.

Later thimble. Thimbles tend to change with the owners.

Detail showing the paper.

The space under the tray.

The box underneath retains the original paper. The arrangement of feet takes into consideration the ‘pillar’ structure.