Painted Letter or Jewelry Box, Georgian

Antiques : Art : Painted Box, Georgian

 

This is such a lovely piece, it almost defies description. Can you imagine having a box for jewelry, letters, or such with an original painting? This box appears to be one for jewelry now, as it has a mirror. I don't think the mirror is original , though it has been in place for a while. This may well have been a letter box which might have had a velvet or silk lining in the top. Who knows? The most exciting part of the box is the wonderful and undamaged painting on the top. This box is circa 1810, and composed of ebonized wood. There is a lock and there is a key--somewhere! I say somewhere because the English dealer who sold me this box gave me the key and said "Barbara, don't lose this key." I made it home with the key, and I know it is here somewhere and I will find it someday. He had a lovely piece of jewelry in the box, and it was all locked and I had the key. i should have left it that way when I packed my suitcase to come home, but I didn't. All I can say is that is is a miracle I get these precious things home, in a checked bag, without more disasters than I have! I am still looking for the key, as I know it is here. The box measures 9 inches East to West, and 7 and 3/4 inches North to South. It is 3 inches deep. This is truly a museum quality piece.

Item ID: 3251