Tunbridge Ware – Somewhat Unusual Glove Box with Isometric Cube Pattern c1855

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware – Somewhat Unusual Glove Box 
Date : c1855
Period : Victoria
Origin : Tunbridge Wells; England
Decoration : Top face features the ubiquitous ‘isometric cube’ pattern. featuring spotted palmeira. a hint of green oak and some very fine-grained pieces; enclosed within banded keyline stringing; four canted edges with a continuous geometric design again within banded stringing ; the rest of the rosewood body is plain. with the exception of a flush fitted mother of pearl escutcheon to accommodate the working key; original paper lining to the inside of the lid and to the base. and a red-silk cushioned insert; one corner of the lid appears to have taken a knock at some point. with judicious repairs and a little filling having been undertaken.
Size :  6.5 x 8.8 x 23.0 cm
Condition : Very good; lid parquetry complete. though with a little grain and join expansion in places but no significant lifting; two or three individual losses to the keyline stringing
Restoration :  Corner repair as above
Weight :  283 grams

Note : This piece is unusual with regard to the specifics of its shape; the majority of glove boxes are either entirely flat. have domed and flat-ended or occasionally pillow-shaped lids; flat. canted sides between a flat top and square sides are seen far more infrequently. and we consider this to be indicative of an intermediate date during the transition from initially flat to later more finely-shaped examples.