Antique Writing Box in rosewood and bird's eye maple, circa 1830

ANTIQUE BOXES
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Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
Writing Boxes

Writing Boxes

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Antique Writing Box in rosewood and bird's eye maple, circa 1830.

Writing Box in rosewood and bird's eye maple, circa 1830

The marquetry on this box draws its inspiration from native plants. The treatment is formal. Note the strong treatment of the fern pattern.

Mother of pearl escutcheon and accent to top.

The box has a working lock and key.

Dimensions:

The box is 14 inches wide 9.4 deep and 4.6 tall (when closed).

35.4cm wide 24cm deep and12cm tall (when closed)

Please click on the images to enlarge them.

The style of this marquetry is symmetry of natural forms.

There has as been some veneer cracking to the top which is clearly visible. This does not effect the structural integrity of the box.

The box retains its original velvet writing surface which does show wear as can be seen in the picture.

The box has a pair of cut crystal inkwells.

Under the flaps there are compartments for holding paper.

The inside has no varnish or French polish. After circa this date it became usual practice to French polish the inside.

For the historical context of this writing box read the relevant part of Antigone's Online Antique Box Book. If you click here you will go there.

We have written a highly illustrated book on Antique Boxes and Tea caddies which has been published by Schiffer Books USA.