WB468: Writing box veneered in saw cut ebony veneer inlaid with mother of pearl circa 1840.
This box is of outstanding quality. The beautifully iridescent mother of pearl enlivens the austere ebony which in turn provides a complimentary background with its subtle dark sheen. The design is of stylised flora which refers to the neoclassical tradition of the late 18th and early 19th century, but looks forward to the later period with its undulations and loops which suggest real plant growth. The pattern with its swirling symmetry suggests the moment in aesthetic history when the poise of neoclassicism was injected with the energy of naturalism, without losing control of design or tightness of execution. The flowers and leaves are exquisite. There are small sunflowers and acanthus leaves and a stylised split acanthus with a diamond shape in the centre of the ebony. The acanthus is a classical motif, but here it takes its place in a rich and vibrant design intermingling with trellised and swirling plant life. The central design forms a diamond made up of four triangles centred by a circle. The triangles are a tour de force of symmetry, a true technical feat. The rounded floral motifs are contained within the straight lines of the overall design. The stems are incredibly thin as are many of the other elements which form the flowers and leaves. Bearing in mind that ebony and shell are very hard materials, such work requires skill of the highest calibre and a considerable amount of time. The lines which form the design are very delicate and yet they build up to a pattern of strength and vitality.

The inside of the box is also made with meticulous care. The ebony surround and the pen- well lid are also inlaid with a pattern of stylised flora. There are two original   inkwells. The writing surface is covered in the original red embossed velvet. The hinges lock and catches are silver plated with signs of wear.
Inside the box is finished in satinwood. There are three secret drawers in mahogany and ebony.
There are flat folding brass handles on the sides of the box, a feature popular in the early part of the 19th century.
There is a crack at the bottom of the inside of the box.
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