A Tunbridge Ware Sewing Or Work Box Depicting Eridge Castle c1850

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware – Sewing/Work Box – Eridge Castle
Date : c1850
Period : Victoria
Origin : Tunbridge Wells. Kent
Decoration : Cushion topped with an image of Eridge Castle set in Golden Satinwood. Banded and Continuous Keylines and a Floral Berlin Woolwork Border. To the four concave sides. a band of Rose & Leaf Berlin Woolwork within Banded and Continuous Keylines; Birds-eye Maple body. with red quilted satin lining with corded borders. two pouches for silks and tool-loops to the inside of the lid. graduated in size.
Size :  20.3 cm wide. 15.4cm deep x 9.9 cm high
Condition : Excellent; slight cracks to lacquer on top face; very minimal loss of non-contiguous tesserae; minor 11mm dent to one side; working key; 
Restoration : None. The box has been professionally cleaned and polished.
Weight :  513 grams

Note :  Although we have no need to question the very learned source of this piece with regard to the comment about the pockets being used for silks. it is worth noting that they both contain a very few desiccated lavender florets. which makes one thing that the intention was for these to impart scent to whatever was originally stored in the box. It remains a stunning box