Mid-19th Century Carved Walnut Jewelry or Trinket Box, Likely Black Forest

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Description

A finely carved walnut jewelry or trinket box, mid-19th century, likely of Black Forest or Swiss origin. The serpentine rectangular … Read more A finely carved walnut jewelry or trinket box, mid-19th century, likely of Black Forest or Swiss origin. The serpentine rectangular form exhibits a curvilinear Rococo outline with scalloped edges, the top centered by an oval reserve bordered by a delicate beaded edge and surrounded by deeply incised foliate and floral carving. The sides are similarly ornamented with stylized blossoms and tendrils within cartouche-like panels, each motif crisply executed and hand-finished with subtle tool marks indicative of individual craftsmanship.

The hinged lid opens to reveal an interior lined in dark blue velvet, preserving its original fitted lining and brass hinges. The front features a keyhole escutcheon (key now lacking) framed within a carved floral border, suggesting the box’s use for keepsakes or small valuables. The base is plain, with traces of an old inventory label, and the patina throughout reflects a mellow, century-old surface.

Boxes of this type were often produced in the alpine regions of Switzerland and southern Germany during the height of the 19th-century carving tradition, appealing to the Grand Tour clientele who admired the artistry of hand-tooled hardwoods. This example demonstrates the refined sensibility of the Black Forest workshops—balancing organic form, precision carving, and restrained elegance in a small-scale domestic object.

Measurements: 7.625 in w x 4.625 in d x 2.625 in h. See less