Box
ca. 1720 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This case was used to protect the antimony cup and its leather case (museum nos. 1370-1900 and 1370A-1900). It is also very decorative.
Materials & Making
The case is decorated with coloured and natural straw arranged in a geometric pattern. Straw-work was practised in Europe from the 17th century, and straw-covered boxes were brought to England from Holland and later France. They were usually made in pine and covered in pictures made from natural and dyed pieces of straw, assembled at different angles to maximise the light values. Straw-work boxes are fragile and easily damaged.
Ownership & Use
Antimony cups were expensive but also toxic. The outer and inner cases would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal.
This case was used to protect the antimony cup and its leather case (museum nos. 1370-1900 and 1370A-1900). It is also very decorative.
Materials & Making
The case is decorated with coloured and natural straw arranged in a geometric pattern. Straw-work was practised in Europe from the 17th century, and straw-covered boxes were brought to England from Holland and later France. They were usually made in pine and covered in pictures made from natural and dyed pieces of straw, assembled at different angles to maximise the light values. Straw-work boxes are fragile and easily damaged.
Ownership & Use
Antimony cups were expensive but also toxic. The outer and inner cases would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Plaited straw-work |
| Brief description | wood and straw; Pewter, Continental |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Antimony was used to treat digestive disorders. Cups like this were filled with wine. The metal would then react with the wine. Patients would drink small amounts of the liquid to induce vomiting. The cup needed protection, as antimony was expensive and also toxic in concentrated amounts.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This case was used to protect the antimony cup and its leather case (museum nos. 1370-1900 and 1370A-1900). It is also very decorative. Materials & Making The case is decorated with coloured and natural straw arranged in a geometric pattern. Straw-work was practised in Europe from the 17th century, and straw-covered boxes were brought to England from Holland and later France. They were usually made in pine and covered in pictures made from natural and dyed pieces of straw, assembled at different angles to maximise the light values. Straw-work boxes are fragile and easily damaged. Ownership & Use Antimony cups were expensive but also toxic. The outer and inner cases would have protected the cup itself but also the users from contact with the dangerous metal. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1370B-1900 |
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| Record created | June 4, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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