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Description:
Ref: 532WB
http://www.hygra.com/box/532WB 
The Eliza writing slope: an unique satinwood writing slope with both fine marquetry and inlay depicting  trailing convolvulus. ( wikipedia.org/wiki/Convolvulus  ) This is an artwork of love. The top is solid satinwood and inlaid. the sides have a saw-cut veneer of about 1mm. The accuracy of the marquetry is truly skillful.  On the front there is   a depiction of oak branches laden with acorns crossed.  The slope opens down to a velvet (replacement) writing surface and the usual compartments for inkwells and pens. Under the writing surface there is the usual place for paper storage and a nest of  three drawers  of part dovetail construction. This is not a manufactured piece, but rather a work of love by a now anonymous craftsman for his beloved Eliza who was clearly interested in flora.  Circa  1830.  

Origin: UK;  Circa:1830; Materials: Satinwood and other woods  .

Size: 38.5 cm wide by 28.3 cm by 12.7 cm: 15.2  inches wide by  11  inches by 5  inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images. There was a split in the top which has been repaired. The velvet writing surface is a replacement.

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The sloping top is a solid piece of satinwood. It has been inlaid with a design of trailing bindweed or convolvulus  and the name ELIZA. The inlay is particularly fine and relies on the natural colour of the wood. The inlay lines are tapered giving them a natural look imitative of growing plant shoots.

The top is in two sections The smaller covers compartments for inkwells and pens. The larger sloping section opens down to a writing surface.  The designs have a symmetrical layout with each side sort of mirroring the other.

There is a repaired crack in the top.

The sides are marquetry. The design is subtle relying partly on the variation of grain to depict the leaves. 

 The back has a patch of satinwood. 

The box has one period inkwell with a brass top.

The drawers are part dovetail construction. the backs of the drawers use wooden nails.. This is unusual in English work and may point to the maker having been Dutch.

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