Tunbridgeware Butterfly Motif Work Box

Tunbridgeware workbox of exceptional quality, the canted lid displaying geometric design all around and to the top, with a tesserae butterfly within the frame. By the late 1830s the tesserae technique was well developed and butterflies were a popular motif in this style, as well as other animals. James Burrows is attributed with the introduction of tesserae, and butterflies were one of the subjects he used, so it is entirely conceivable that this item originated from his workshops. Add the sarcophagus shape to the small parquetry (see p 102  B Austen “Tunbridgeware”)  and we can date the piece to C1835. The contents include two tapes, 6 cotton reels, 2 cotton winders, a needlecase, 2 boxes, and a pin cushion.