Chinese Export lacquer Workbox, with fitted interior.
c.1850 Dimensions:37x27cm, when closed.
(Reference: 502) Price: SOLD
The decoration on this workbox is some of the finest I have seen. Chinese landscapes are populated with a myriad of figures, outlined in gilt and unusually embellished with dropped silver. The decoration is in excellent condition with very little rubbing,(which is rare as items of this kind do typically suffer from much loss of decoration). All four claw feet are present and in good condition. The lid lifts to reveal a fully fitted interior of compartments, (some lidded and decorated), and ivory/bone sewing paraphenalia, with pierced decoration and carving. A bottom drawer holds a writing box, with decorated slope and pen tray. A similar box was featured in Downton Abbey in the Dowager Duchess' Drawing Room, the character played by Dame Maggie Smith.
