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Description:
Ref: 706PWB
http://hygra.com/box/706PWB

Penwork decorated  box made in gessoed beech and standing on embossed gilded brass feet. This particular box is very reminiscent of Anglo Indian work, both in the contrast of black on white which resembles ivory incised decoration. The patterns of plants and flowers are executed in the manner of fabric and embroidery design, which was fashionable in penwork of the period. However the top design goes further than most such work, in that the peacock is central to an asymmetrical tree of life motif which is characteristic of 18th century Indian inlaid work. Exceptionally well designed and executed.  Circa 1790.

Origin: ;  Circa: 1790; Materials: Beech-wood .

Size: 30.4 cm wide by 22.6 cm by 12.5 cm:  11.9  inches wide by  9  inches by  4.9  inches. 

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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The patterns of plants and flowers are executed in the manner of fabric and embroidery design, which was fashionable in penwork of the period. 

There is evidence that the box once had side carrying handles.  

The peacock is central to an asymmetrical tree of life motif which is characteristic of 18th century Indian inlaid work.

There is evidence that the box once had side carrying handles.  

"The wealth of aesthetic and cultural influences which burst onto European applied arts from the second half of the 18th to the middle of the 19th century was dazzling. The Far East, the classical world of Europe and the Middle East, the beauties of the flora and fauna of the world, the strange persons who inhabited lands hitherto unknown, invaded the consciousness and the intellect of a society eager to inquire, learn, and experiment. Such a cornucopia of new ideas opened up infinite possibilities of diversification in the arts. It was the time of the romantic poets, of great creative novelists, of travelers, merchants, botanists, and adventurers."

See: Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

The box is made from beech-wood and unfinished on the inside.

"A box made in beech and gessoed and decorated with penwork. This particular box is very reminiscent of Anglo Indian work, both in the contrast of black on white which resembles ivory, and in the style of decoration. The patterns of plants and flowers are executed in the manner of fabric and embroidery design, which was fashionable in penwork of the period. However the top design goes further than most such work, in that the peacock is central to an asymmetrical tree of life motif which is characteristic of 18th century Indian inlaid work. Exceptionally well designed and executed. 11.75 inches. Last decades 18th century."