Box thumbnail 1
Box thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

1800-1820 (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

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Box
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Wood, veneered in straw marquetry
Brief description
box, veneered in straw marquetry, English, 1800-1820
Physical description
Coloured straw-work with a sliding lid. The outside is decorated with checquer work with borders of leaves, in the centre of the lid is a basket of flowers. The inside has diamond shaped panels on a blue ground.
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.3cm
  • Width: 20.3cm
  • Depth: 12.4cm
Credit line
Given by Ms. Montefiore, by the wish of the late John Montefiore Esq.
Object history
Given to the V&A in 1919 by Ms. Montefiore, by the wish of the late John Montefiore Esq.
Subjects depicted
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.
Other number
19/4416 - RF number
Collection
Accession number
W.140:1-1919

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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