Desk Box c. 1940

Henry Granet made this desk box, with no known date, presumably from carved wood. The desk box appears to be made from a hardwood, chosen for its durability and ability to hold intricate carvings. The box's ornamentation influences its appearance, highlighting the rich brown color and textured surface of the wood. The repeated semicircular and vegetal motifs suggest a time-consuming process, achieved through skilled woodworking techniques. The tools and traditions employed by the artist are likely from a well-established lineage of woodworking, blending utility with decorative expression. The labor-intensive carving may reflect the cultural value placed on craftsmanship and the social status associated with owning such an object. Considering the material, making, and context of the desk box emphasizes how craft and design intertwine, broadening our understanding of its aesthetic and cultural significance.