Description Tunbridge Ware Folk House Sewing Box From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this rare Tunbridge Ware Cottage Sewing Box dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. The sewing box is of rectangular form and crafted from sycamore wood, modelled as a naïve folk cottage with an apex roof and chimney. The exterior is hand painted with charming architectural and landscape details, including leaded windows, a central front door, a rear stable door with surrounding trees, foliage, and flowers. The front elevation features a painted open window discreetly concealing the escutcheon, while the sides show grassy mounds and the rear depicts a rake leaning against the wall. When opened, the cottage reveals its original pink paper lined interior with fitted compartments for sewing tools and accoutrements. A removable tray provides organised storage and lifts out to access the larger compartment beneath. This is a scarce early example of Tunbridge Ware, representing the painted folk tradition associated with the Georgian period. Later Tunbridge Ware is more commonly recognised for its intricate mosaic inlays, making this earlier painted form particularly desirable. The Sewing Box comes complete with working lock and tasselled key. Measurements (Inches) 5.5 High x 7.3 Wide x 4.53 Deep Tunbridge Ware is a form of inlaid woodwork which is typically in the form of boxes, smaller objects and/or accessories that are characteristic of Tonbridge and the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent in the 18th and 19th centuries. The decoration consists of a mosaic of many very small pieces of different coloured wood combined to make a decorative scene. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Tunbridge Ware. Sycamore Sycamore is also known as Harewood is a member of the Maple family, found in Europe. It is light yellow in colour and is often a very clean wood, with a straight, fine grain. The wood is often pippy. However, these pips are usually a very similar colour to the rest of the wood making them hardly visible. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Sycamore Wood. Georgian The Georgian era was a period in British history dating from 1714-1837, the Georgian era after the Hanoverian kings George I, George II, George III and George IV. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
