Late 18th or Early 19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner Straw Work Box

Description

Heading : Late 18th or Early 19th Century Straw Work Box
Date : 1775- 1825
Period : George III- George IV- ‘Napoleonic’
Origin : Most probably England and possibly French POW
Decoration : Neo-Classical Greek key and panels
Size :  22 x 14.5 x 8.5 cms
Condition : Colours have faded on the exterior.
Restoration : None
Weight :  355 grams

We are advised by the owner that this was made by Napoleonic prisoners of war. Quite how this attribution has arisen defeats us. Straw work was made for centuries before and for many decades after the Napoleonic era both commercially and as a pastime in Germany. France and Britain. The neo-classical design is consistent with late 18th and earl 19th century fashionable taste. We are unable to find any trade cards or period advertisements and this must assume that this was for the most part a cottage industry or the workmanship of a French POW. There are numerous museum examples attributed to French Prisoners of very similar items decorated in the same method and style.