Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

1670-1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown (maker)
Place of origin
Germany (made)

This box was given to the Museum by Dr Hildburgh, a keen collector, particularly of metalwork. The design of the chip-carving on this box is based on the Gothic style of medieval centuries and the form follows, in miniature, that of a medieval chest.


Object details

Categories
Containers
Woodwork
Medieval and Renaissance
Object type
Box
Materials and techniques
Carved and stained beech, with iron hinges and lock
Beech
Iron
Carving
Brief description
A box of carved and stained beech, with hinged lid, in the form of a miniature chest, the design composed of chip-carved roundels.
Physical description
A box with hinged lid, of carved and stained beech, in the form of a miniature chest, the design composed of chip-carved roundels.
The rectangular box is raised on four flat, turned feet. The incised decoration consists of roundels within squares one on each end and two on the front, back and lid. One pattern is used on the front, back and PL side, the other on the lid and PR side. The two motifs on the front and back are separated by a thin, vertical panel of incised ornament, with a small central roundel . On the lid, the two roundels are separated by a narrower, undecorated panel and the roundels are proportionately larger. On the front an applied lock case is set at the top. The lid is edged with a plain rounded moulding. The base is attached with trenails (wooden nails) and later nails. The box is fitted with two inset strap hinges in iron.
THE PL HINGE IS BROKEN AND THE BOX SHOULD BE OPENED WITH GREAT CARE.





Dimensions
  • Height: 18.5cm (Note: SM 26/05/2021)
  • Width: 38.7cm
  • Indluding hinges depth: 20cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 2(?)6 2(?) (Written on a torn lable under the lid)
  • Wooden Casket, carved with geometric designs Munich '22 (Written in ink script on small paper label on base, presumably in the writing of Dr Hildburgh and giving the date of acquisition by him. )
Gallery label
  • BOX SOUTH GERMAN OR TYROLESE Late 17th century Beechwood, chip-carved with decoration consisting of debased Gothic forms Given by Dr W L Hildburgh, FSA
  • BOX. Chip carved beech, with iron hinges and lock. Rectangular plan, on four ball feet. On all sides, lid and end chip carved design of interlacing rosettes with rosettes incorporating rope work patterns. Indications of former colour. South German or Tyrolese About 1700
Credit line
Given by Dr. W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A.
Object history


RP: 53/977
Summary
This box was given to the Museum by Dr Hildburgh, a keen collector, particularly of metalwork. The design of the chip-carving on this box is based on the Gothic style of medieval centuries and the form follows, in miniature, that of a medieval chest.
Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
Accession number
W.8-1953

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O370688/box-unknown/
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