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.21-1918
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

1790-1810 (made)
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
Materials and techniques
Wood, veneered in straw marquetry
Brief description
Box, veneered in straw marquetry, English, 1790-1810
Physical description
Box with domed lid. Lid hinges open to reveal small compartment. Exterior is veeneered in straw marquetry, the lid is decorated with the scene of a church. The interior is covered with pink and white paisley paper.
Dimensions
  • Width: 8 cm
  • Depth: 4.5cm
  • Height: 2.5cmcm
Measurements taken in April 2017. Approximate, for general guideline only.
Credit line
Given by Lady Corey
Object history
Original paperwork states 'Made in England by a French Prisoner of War, about 1800'. Although the style of straw marquetry, similar to Tunbridge Ware, was produced in Northern Italy throughout the 19th century. Small objects were made for the tourist market, not only in Italy but also France, Spain and Switzerland.
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.21-1918

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