Tunbridge Ware Edmund Nye Square Handkerchief Box c1860

Description

eading : Tunbridge Ware – A Pin-Hinged Square Handkerchief Box
Date : c1860
Period : Victorian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells; England
Decoration : A low. square box with a pin-hinged lid; decorated with a neo-clasical frame around a floral mosaic.  To the four side faces of the box. a Berlin woolwork band within banded and continuous keyline stringing; base lined with original red paper and Edmund Nye paper label. Extensive use of green oak
Size :  15.4 x 15.4 x 5.6 cm
Condition : Very good; very little tile-loss; solid body; original lining paper very slightly stained. Two smal losses to the veneer at the corners of the lid along the hinged side. A small loss to the keyline along the base. Light scratches. Key absent. Excellent unrestored condition
Restoration : None
Weight : 324 grams

Note : Although labelled. the form of this box – and especially the lining paper – are consistent with other pieces identified as coming from Edmund Nye’s manufactory; the influence of Thomas Barton can be defined from the inclusion of his signature green oak tesserae in the design prior to Barton assuming control of the business in 1862