Description

Extensively Inlaid Antique Box with a Flurry of Exotic Woods

From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this 19th-century Inlaid Box. The box of rectangular shape is extensively inlaid throughout with an Amboyna veneered lid having a central geometric pattern with ebonised Pear and Boxwood bordered by crossbanded Tulipwood. Each side fully inlaid with a geometric perspective cube design with Thuya, Ebonised Pear and Pollard Oak with a further matching Tulipwood crossbanding. The rear of the box features a single veneer of oak with a matching grain from the lid and base of the box. When opened the box reveals a luscious Turquoise cushioned velvet lining with brass fittings and lock plate. The Box dates to the late Victorian period Circa 1880.

The Box comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

Amboyna (A.K.A Andaman Padauk, Maiou or Narra) grows in parts of East Asia and is often golden brown to reddish brown in colour with a red grain. It is a firm wood with wavy and often interlocking grain making it difficult to work with hand tools, despite this it turns well and produces a high polish. The Burr from these trees varies in colour from a golden yellow to a deep red with sharp, close burr pips. It is very sought after and used for only the finest furniture.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) can be found in Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a light cream that turns darker to brown when exposed to light. The trees are very small meaning it is suited to smaller projects like edging or inlay instead of veneers.

Pear is a popular and premium hardwood in Europe but is only available in limited quantities in the United States. Larger logs are usually turned into veneer for architectural purposes. It is a pale pink or light reddish brown and is sometimes steamed to deepen the pink colouration. It has a straight grain and usually has a very fine uniform texture. It is also occasionally dyed black and used as a substitute for ebony.

Pollard Oak is wood from trees that have been “pollarded”. This is the process pruning the top branches of a tree to promote denser regrowth of branches and foliage. This helps the tree live longer and prevents damage from the wind or excess weight at the top of the tree.
The word “Pollard” comes from the word “Poll” which means the top of the head, and eventually “to poll” which means “to crop the hair”. A “Pollard” meant something that had been Polled.

Thuya grows in North West Africa. It is a soft wood which grows in a sporadic, twisted manner. The sought after part is the burr which grows underground as a root burr. It is red-brown in colour with finely detailed grain and will take a high polish finish.

Tulipwood is also known as Brazilian Tulipwood, Brazilian Pinkwood and Bahia Rosewood. It is found in South America, mainly Brazil. The colour is warm yellow with streaks or brown-red grain.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information