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ID #SA715623
FOR SALE
£3,600
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A Fine and Rare 17th Century Figured Walnut and Seaweed Marquetry Lace Box
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
for sale €4,212     $4,572
£3,600
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries
  • Trade Associations
    Alexander George Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA 
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Id #SA715623
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A Fine and Rare 17th Century Figured Walnut and Seaweed Marquetry Lace Box

17th century
Description

A fine and extremely rare figured walnut and seaweed marquetry 'lace box', circa.... let’s break it down - Seaweed marquetry first appeared in English cabinetwork in the late 17th century (Baroque period) though interestingly originated in Italy. Cross-grain mouldings were popular in England from circa 1675-1740, so through the reigns of Charles II, James II, William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I and George II. The long-grain banding around the top and frieze helps to reduce that date down to the last half of the 17th century at least and was used as early as 1660. Taking all into account we can confidently say that this box dates from the last quarter of the 17th century, circa 1675-1690.

The curiously named 'lace box' or 'bible box' veneered in oyster cut hardwoods such as olive, Kingwood, walnut and marquetry were popular amongst the middle and higher classes of society from circa 1660-1700.

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
35cm (13.78")
Declaration

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Walnut Seaweed Marquetry Box to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA715623
Dealers Notes

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.

Description
A fine and extremely rare figured walnut and seaweed marquetry 'lace box', circa....
“
let’s break it down - Seaweed marquetry first appeared in English cabinetwork in the late 17th century (Baroque period) though interestingly originated in Italy.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Cross-grain mouldings were popular in England from circa 1675-1740, so through the reigns of Charles II, James II, William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I and George II. The long-grain banding around the top and frieze helps to reduce that date down to the last half of the 17th century at least and was used as early as 1660. Taking all into account we can confidently say that this box dates from the last quarter of the 17th century, circa 1675-1690.

fig 1. A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels.
fig 1. A Fine and Rare 17th Century Figured Walnut and Seaweed Marquetry Lace Box

The curiously named 'lace box' or 'bible box' veneered in oyster cut hardwoods such as olive, Kingwood, walnut and marquetry were popular amongst the middle and higher classes of society from circa 1660-1700.

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
35cm (13.78")
Date of Manufacture

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Walnut Seaweed Marquetry Box to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA715623
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Alexander George Antiques Ltd. Profile Page

Trade Associations

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA 

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A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels.
1 / 12
Archive I A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels.

A Fine and Rare 17th Century Figured Walnut and Seaweed Marquetry Lace Box

Archive II A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View II
Archive III A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View III
Archive IV A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View IV
Archive V A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View V
Archive VI A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View IX
Archive X A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View X
Archive XI A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View XI
Archive XII A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Telephone 07787 536199
Location
Buscot Manor
Buscot
Oxfordshire
SN7 8DA
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/alexandergeorge
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 93
Items Sold 231
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: Buscot Manor, Buscot, Oxfordshire, SN7 8DA, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/alexandergeorge
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
93
Sold
231
A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels.
A fine and rare 17th Century Figured Walnut and Seaweed Marquetry Lace Box
Ref: SA715623
A rectangular seventeenth-century figured walnut box featuring intricate seaweed marquetry in an oval central cartouche and matching corner panels.
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A lace box is a shallow wooden casket created during the late seventeenth century, specifically during the William and Mary period, designed to store delicate textiles, lace collars, and small personal belongings. Seaweed marquetry refers to the intricate, scroll-like inlay work reminiscent of natural marine vegetation, crafted using contrasting light and dark woods.

These boxes were predominantly constructed with a softwood or oak carcase veneered in figured walnut, burr walnut, or laburnum. The delicate marquetry inlays were created using fine woods such as boxwood, holly, sycamore, or fruitwood to achieve sharp visual contrast.

Authentic pieces feature hand-cut marquetry panels showing subtle irregularities, original brass hardware with aged patination, and evidence of hand-planed timber on the interior and underside. The presence of natural wood shrinkage, stable surface cracking, and historical construction techniques like crude dovetail joints also indicate authenticity.

A historical marquetry box serves as a focal accent on a minimalist sideboard, executive desk, or library console table. Pairing the rich wood tones with neutral backdrops, brass accents, or structured modern art creates a balanced contrast between contemporary and antique elements.

Keep the object in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, central heating sources, and moisture to prevent wood movement and lifting veneers. Dust regularly with a soft dry microfiber cloth and apply a high-grade beeswax polish sparingly once or twice a year to nourish the timber.
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