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Late Regency Chinoiserie Penwork Box, Circa 1830

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Origin

England

Period

19th Century

Materials

Penwork on Wood, Brass, Paper Lining

Dimensions

W.	9 in;	H.	3.5 in;	D.	6 in;
W.	22.86 cm;	H.	8.89 cm;	D.	15.24 cm;

Condition

Good. Wear consistent with age and use

Creation Date

Circsa 1830

Description

A rectangular ladies work box decorated with chinoiserie penwork designs surrounded by stylized flowers and foliage. The top features a musician entertaining two courtly ladies in a garden scene. The hinged top opens revealing compartments lined in blue sugar paper. The box sits on brass ball feet.

Penwork was mostly practiced from 1815 to 1850 and is related to japanning, invented in the seventeenth century to imitate the exotic lacquer cabinets from China and Japan that were very popular and very expensive. Like needlework and other crafts of the day, it was done predominately by ladies who had time on their hands but who had artistic ability.

Styles / Movements

Regency

Dealer Reference Number

7271

Incollect Reference Number

142434