Box
1670-1690 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This box was made in England about 1670-80. It is decorated in straw marquetry which was a popular amateur pursuit.
Straw marquetry is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is 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 is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is 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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | wood, straw marquetry |
| Brief description | Wood and straw box; Netherlands (?) English (?); 1670-1690 |
| Physical description | Box Dutch (?) English (?): late 17th century Wood decorated with straw marquetry. Rectangular, mounted on four ball feet. Oak carcase coated with a thick dark blue ground onto which the straw-work is pasted. Inside the lid is a mirror framed by a raised moulding, and flanked by figures of a man and woman dressed in the fashion of about 1680. There are flowers and birds as well. On the lid and sides are similar figures. Shaped brass hinges and lock. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | STRAW-WORK BOX
ENGLISH; about 1670-80
Straw-work was fashionable in the reign of Charles II and the patterns executed in this medium follow closely those used for needlework and rolled-paper work. This box is an unusually elaborate example, now much battered.(pre October 2000) |
| Object history | Bought (£20) from Mrs N. Elliot (RP: 57/3893) |
| Summary | This box was made in England about 1670-80. It is decorated in straw marquetry which was a popular amateur pursuit. Straw marquetry is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is 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. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.7-1958 |
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| Record created | January 24, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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