A Tunbridge Ware Glove Box with Floral Mosaics c1860

Description

Heading : TTunbridge Ware – Glove Box with Floral Mosaics
Date : c1860
Period : Victoria
Origin : Royal Tunbridge Wells. England
Decoration : Intricate rose mosaic to central panel on lid. framed by a geometric band. The sides of box also have decorative bands of tesserae
Size :  24cm x 10cm and height 7cms
Condition : Excellent. but missing key. Original lining
Restoration : Professionally cleaned and polished
Weight :  555g

The decoration of this wooden glove box is in excellent condition. An excellent example of the intricate mosaic floral and geometric designs typically used by Tunbridge Ware manufacturies throughout the 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. The minute tesserae used to create the patterns which adorned popular items used a myriad of wooden veneers. which when polished highlighted the natural colours of the wood. A low rounded lid with flat ends and high-gloss polish show off the natural browns and golds in the woods to perfection and the lock is inset with inlaid ivory. A beautiful example.

The story of Tunbridge Ware is not well documented. It reached its peak of popularity in Victorian times when it became fashionable to visit the historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells to sample the healing powers of the Chalybeate Spring. Local craftsman created a wealth of products that could be bought by visitors to commemorate their time at the Spa. As the popularity of the distinctive marquetry and parquetry products grew so did the complexity and variety of designs and the industry itself.