Box 1790 - 1810

This box was made anonymously from wood, its exact date of production currently unknown. Its golden-brown surface is brought to life by the inlaid star patterns. Look closely and you'll see the delicate borders, created through a technique known as marquetry. This is essentially a jigsaw puzzle on a miniature scale, where different pieces of veneer, thin slices of wood, are carefully cut and fit together to create a decorative pattern. The making of boxes like this would have been a labor-intensive process, demanding skill and precision, a specialized tradition distinct from fine art. The choice of wood itself, with its natural grain, imbues the box with warmth and character. Such boxes were often treasured possessions, used to store valuable objects or personal mementos. Understanding the materials and processes used helps us appreciate the considerable amount of work involved in its production, challenging any distinction between the artistry of woodworking and fine art.