Superb Example of a Rare English Tunbridge Ware Tessellated Mosaic Ladies Glove Box of    rectangular form with hinged lid, early to mid Nineteenth Century. The rectangular cover with a central reserve of tessellated mosaic depicting old Summer flowers and foliage, all four sides with similar decoration. The entire inside in polished satinwood

Condition: In overall very good condition with no losses or damage anywhere except for a small repair within the central decoration at left side on the lid, lock is present and working, key is lacking. Recently re-polished.

Width:  10.5” (26.5cm). Height: 3” (8cm). Depth: 4.5" (11.5cm). 

Eur.330.00 

NOTE: It was in the early part of the nineteenth century that Tunbridgeware came into its own with the invention in 1820 of the tessellated mosaic. While giving the appearance of a true mosaic, the tessellated mosaic was relatively simple although great skill and craftsmanship was required in the execution of each stage. A pattern, such as a flower, was made by gluing strips of different wood together so that the design could be seen end on rather like letters through a stick of seaside rock. Slips of veneer were sliced off this pattern block and laid into the wood of the article being made. Such was the skill of the pattern makers that intricate designs such as birds, moths and even pictures and portraits could be produced.  This early piece is of the quality of Edmund Nye.