Box
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1725-1775
MediumOak, pine, iron, black, red and white paint
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width x depth): 5 5/8 x 11 3/8 x 7 7/8in. (14.3 x 28.9 x 20cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Mary Dexter
Object number1918.4.0
DescriptionRectangular box with the initials "EH" and a design carved into the front, in the William and Mary, or early baroque, style. The top has four plain edges; pairs of lightly incised lines create a rectangular border around the top. A hinge, consisting of a shaped piece of wood, extends from front to back at each side on the underside of the top. The front of the box is painted black and has an iron plate with a keyhole in the center; an iron strap hinge is nailed to the top and pivots down to join the lock. To the left of the lock is the carved initial "E" and to the right is the carved initial "H"; each is painted red. At the outer side of each initial is a curved double line, painted red and white. Below each initial is a curving, abstract design. Below the lock is an incised circle with a red ground and a raised six-petal flower. The front also has pairs of lightly incised lines creating a rectangular border around the carved decoration; between the incised lines are stamped rosettes. Each side of the box has pairs of lightly incised lines creating a rectangular border. The left and right side of the border has a jagged incised line contained within the two lines that create the border. The front and bottom of the border has stamped rosettes between the two lines that create the border.
Condition: The underside of the top, where the hardware is nailed to the top, has been repaired. The top has three semi-circular dark rings in the surface of the wood. The sides, back and top of the box are refinished.
Design and Construction Details:
Design. The initial "H" is incised at a higher level than the "E"; it overlaps with the incised rosettes in the border. The red-painted circle containing the raised flower overlaps with the rosettes in the border at the bottom front of the box.
Construction. The top is constructed of a single oak board. The hinges are nailed to the underside of the lid. Each hinge has a round hole at the back that pivots on a cylindrical hinge pin that extends from each top side of the back of the box. The front, back and each side of the box are constructed of a single oak board. The bottom is constructed of a single oak board that is nailed to the underside of the sides. The front and back are nailed to the edge of the sides and bottom of the box.
Condition: The underside of the top, where the hardware is nailed to the top, has been repaired. The top has three semi-circular dark rings in the surface of the wood. The sides, back and top of the box are refinished.
Design and Construction Details:
Design. The initial "H" is incised at a higher level than the "E"; it overlaps with the incised rosettes in the border. The red-painted circle containing the raised flower overlaps with the rosettes in the border at the bottom front of the box.
Construction. The top is constructed of a single oak board. The hinges are nailed to the underside of the lid. Each hinge has a round hole at the back that pivots on a cylindrical hinge pin that extends from each top side of the back of the box. The front, back and each side of the box are constructed of a single oak board. The bottom is constructed of a single oak board that is nailed to the underside of the sides. The front and back are nailed to the edge of the sides and bottom of the box.
Status
Not on view
