Description: 
A rosewood veneered Tunbridge ware box by T Barton, the slightly domed top inlayed with a display of roses depicted in micro mosaic,  framed by bandings of contrasting light and dark wood and particularly well matched geometric micro mosaic; there is a further banding of Berlin wool work Design encircling the box. The inside is lined with its original red paper.

Origin: United Kingdom, Tunbridge Wells

Circa: 1850

Materials:  rosewood and other woods.

Size:  23.3cm wide by 17.8cm by 9.5cm:  9.2 inches wide by  7inches by  3.7inches.

Condition: good original condition.

For further information see: http://hygra.com/material.htm#tun 
and  Chapter 9. Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

The inside is lined with its original red paper.

The box is labeled:

 T. BARTON,
Late NYE,
Manufacturer,
MOUNT EPHRAIM,
AND
PARADE
TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Barton, Thomas: Apprenticed first to Wise, he joined Nye at about 1836. Very talented both as a designer and business man, he continued Nye's business. He had the good sense to label a lot of his wares. He died in1902 after a very successful life.

Nye, Edmund: Nye was very successful during the first half of the 19th century. He seems to have continued the tradition of Fenner, which was in turn continued by Barton after his death in 1863.

See: Chapter 9. Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

 

 There is a wide banding of micro mosaic inspired by Berlin wool work and depicting a floral motif all around the box. The mosaic which is end-grain is made by assembling several long strips of wood, selected for their color.  

 The composition of the top is particularly well executed: 
the slightly domed top inlayed with a display of roses depicted in micro mosaic,  framed by bandings of contrasting light and dark wood and particularly well matched geometric micro mosaic