We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: W.9:1-1969
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

1790-1810 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Box
  • Drawer
Materials and techniques
Wood, veneered in straw marquetry
Brief description
Box, veneered with straw marquetry, on ivory ball feet, English, 1790-1800
Physical description
Box, veneered with straw marquetry. It has a hinged lid beneath which are two futher hinged lids, each covering twin compartments. On the front, four drawer fronts, the top two false, the lower pair forming the face of a single long drawer. Ivory ball feet, and knob handles.

On the top, an oval basket of flowers, amid scrollwork, similar scrolls on the drawer fronts, back and sides. Inside the lid is a landscape with a ruined tower and a farmyard by a rive. The inner lids bear trophies of doves, musical instruments, etc. and on their undersides bunches of flowers inside diamond shaped frames. The inside of the drawer has a naval trophy consisting of a cannonl, anchor and Red Ensign, with the correct form of the Union Jack without the St.Andrews cross.
Dimensions
  • Width: 29.5cm
  • Depth: 20cm
  • Height: 13cm (Note: Measurements taken April 2017, approximate, for guidance only.)
Credit line
Given by Major Pollard
Object history
The register notes that the imagery 'clearly indicates that the box is English, although it may possibly have been executed by a French prisoner-of-war. If so, it is of above average quality for such work.' 1969.
Summary
Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition.
Collection
Accession number
W.9:1-1969

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSON