Regency mahogany and satinwood jewellery box

An exceptional Regency period satinwood, mahogany and straw work jewellery box; the top veneered in satinwood and crossbanded in mahogany above sides which have gothic arched panels veneered to the recess with satinwood and standing on a plinth base. In contrast when unlocked the top lifts up and the front falls down to reveal an interior decorated with amazingly exuberant straw work; the interior of the lid is fitted with a mirror and below are a sequence of long and short drawers which are decorated inside in out with straw work which retains the original, wonderfully vivid colours.

This jewellery box is certainly one of the most surprising pieces in our collection. The austere exterior, very much in the manner of George Smith, is in extreme contrast to the exuberant colours and patterns of the straw work interior. This is the finest and best preserved example of straw work that we have discovered.