Tunbridge Ware Mini Chest

A very small chest using the Tunbridge Ware pieces. The base wood is rosewood, and the domed top uses the perspective cube pattern. All sides have a geometric panel applied. The hinge uses a fabric material, and the inside is finished with a silver paper to indicate snuff use. The top is fitted with an interference fit clip to keep the chest shut. The dimensions can be seen in the pictures, and are 3.5 cms x 1.5 cms x 1.75 cms high. This is a novelty item, but very well executed. During the C19th tunbridge ware pieces were sold to box makers for their own use, applying the mosaic and stick ware to their own work. This is not one of those, but much later using the same principle. Snuff use would have been next to impossible as it is hard to get the fingers in to extract it! No illusions then, a really unusual item that is absolutely charming, and in lovely condition.