An Antique Tunbridge Ware Box - Wise Manufactory Label & Hand Written Cards Inside

19th century

Sold by Opus Antiques

Description

This is a very interesting box on many levels. Firstly it's a Tunbridge Ware box, painted to simulate rosewood. On the lid of the box is a picture of a building which says on the building 'Wise Manufactory".

The Wise family were among the earliest and most significant makers of Tunbridge Ware, working first in Tonbridge from the mid-18th century. The founder was George Wise (1703–1779), later followed by his son Thomas and nephew George. Their workshop became known as “Wise’s Tunbridge Ware Manufactory.”

What makes Wise particularly important is that they bridge the very early painted/printed Tunbridge Ware period and the later famous mosaic period.

The lid slides off and there are two ring handles on each side of the box, when they are pulled the cards are raised up out of the box and a card can be easily picked.

There are over 50 cards, numbered at the top with hand written phrases on them.

The box itself is divided into two sections.

I'm not sure if it was a game and you picked a card and then read the card out or whether the cards were for learning particular phrases.

I did once have a similar box which had fortune telling cards inside.

A rare little box measuring 11cm h x 7.5cm d x 7.5cm w.

Declaration

Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1212978

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

“

The Wise family were among the earliest and most significant makers of Tunbridge Ware, working first in Tonbridge from the mid-18th century.

Opus Antiques

The founder was George Wise (1703–1779), later followed by his son Thomas and nephew George. Their workshop became known as “Wise’s Tunbridge Ware Manufactory.”

fig 1. An Antique Tunbridge Ware Box - Wise Manufactory Label & Hand Written Cards Inside

What makes Wise particularly important is that they bridge the very early painted/printed Tunbridge Ware period and the later famous mosaic period.

The lid slides off and there are two ring handles on each side of the box, when they are pulled the cards are raised up out of the box and a card can be easily picked.