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Description:
Ref: 675JB
http://wwww.hygra.com/box/675JB 
Antique box in the sarcophagus form. The box is veneered in figured rosewood and is inlaid in mother of pearl depicting stylized flora with birds. The fluid design of stylised flora is exceptionally fine. This is a spectacular box which encapsulates the best of the Regency era. The box stands on turned rosewood feet and has turned rosewood drop ring handles. The centre panel of the top is framed with gadrooning as is the pediment adding the architectural impact. The box has a lift out tray which has been relined . Circa1825.

Origin: UK ;  Circa:1825 ; Materials: rosewood and mother of pearl on a pine structure.

Size: 29.1 cm wide by 21 cm by 16 cm: 11.5   inches wide by 8.3   inches by  4.5 inches.

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

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Detail (magnified) The markings indicating that the mother of pearl is cut out using a piercing saw are clearly visible. 

A

Side view showing the drop ring handle. These are fragile(!) it is not a good idea to use them to actually carry or lift the box.

The design of the inlay is of highly stylized flora and fauna. The juxtaposition of dark wood with bold mother of pearl inlay was popular in the early part of the 19th century. The wood and the mother of pearl were mutually enhancing. The Prince Regent (later George IV) commissioned such work for his Royal palaces. This technique, which perfected control of cutting and inlaying, required time and skill and it was very expensive at the time. It is no wonder that such work was popular at a time when excess was rife and style was given supreme social importance.

Inside the lid is lined with ruched red silk framed with gold embossed leather. There is a document wallet behind.

 

The gold embossing has similarities to two sewing boxes mad by R. Dalton which we have described:

http://hygra.com/uk/sb/sb104/ 

http://hygra.com/uk/sb/SB525/ 

The document wallet is lined with its original red paper.

 The lift out tray has been relined with velvet. The red paper lining of the box is original