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Description:
Ref: 724JB   http://hygra.com/box/724JB 

Antique Box of impressive architectural form veneered in rosewood and decorated with bold stylised floral inlays in brass. The inlays follow the contours of the shape of the box, emphasising its inspiration which derives from ancient monuments. It stands on turned feet and it is edged in gadrooning. Circa 1815-20

The shape is inspired by the second phase of ancient discoveries, which brought the monuments of Egypt and the rest of the middle east to the attention of the erudite. The sides lean inwards and this is further emphasised by the inlay pattern which is narrower on the top. This suggests looking up at a temple and seeing its top at a distance and therefore shrinking. The lid is formed at an angle with the box suggesting the roof. The sides are in gently sloping pyramid shape concluding in a plateau. The whole piece pays tribute to ancient architectural construction. The feet help the appreciation of the form by giving its base a lift.

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1820; Materials: .

Size: 32cm wide by 24cm by 14 cm:  12.6 inches wide by 9.5  inches by  5.5 inches.

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

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The box opens to a later lift-out tray lined in cotton velvet. The inside of the lid is also covered in cotton velvet. The finely gold embossed leather frame is original and characteristic of the high quality of such work done in the early part of the 19th century.

Detail of the exquisite embossing. The pattern of stylised acanthus gathered and resolving in a pattern is extraordinary and could have only been designed in that most eccentrically innovative period-The Regency.

The box opened in side view showing the complexity of its contours.

Front view showing how the feet lift the whole box, showing its full architectural credentials. The turned handles snuggle unobtrusively in line with the two most outward points in the structure.

Detail of the top which shows the robust gadrooning which both finishes the edges and 
makes the whole appear more weighty.

There are turned rosewood handles to the sides.

 

The top is a symphony of undulating flora on the side and a central pattern. All 
executed with incredible control and accuracy, without sacrificing the suggestion of growing flora.

The centre panel of the top is framed with gadrooning as is the pediment adding the architectural impact

The very top. The central plaque is framed by a symmetrical pattern of inlay in harmony with the rest of the inlay.

Bottom showing the feet, the facings and the original paper.

The lid is lined with velvet framed with gold embossed leather