Pair of Mid 20th Century Inlaid Mahogany Knife Boxes

Details

Description

A finely crafted pair of mahogany knife boxes, each of serpentine fronted form with hinged domed lids, the tops inset … Read more A finely crafted pair of mahogany knife boxes, each of serpentine fronted form with hinged domed lids, the tops inset with shell-form marquetry medallions and outlined with string inlay in the late Georgian manner. The exterior is fitted with pierced brass escutcheons and cast brass swing handles, both ornamented with foliate motifs recalling Federal-period hardware. The interiors are fitted with tiered slotted compartments designed to accommodate a full service of cutlery, the lids opening to reveal star-inlaid decoration against the polished mahogany field.


Knife boxes of this type were originally conceived in the late 18th century as both secure storage for silver cutlery and as statements of refinement displayed upon a sideboard. This pair reflects the traditional craftsmanship and elegant symmetry of that earlier period, executed here with clean lines and dense, well-figured mahogany veneers. See less