Black Lacquered Wooden Box

Details

Description

The box measures approximately 6.6 × 23.8 × 15.7 cm (H/W/D) and is made of black lacquered wood. The rectangular … Read more The box measures approximately 6.6 × 23.8 × 15.7 cm (H/W/D) and is made of black lacquered wood. The rectangular box with straight edges is entirely lacquered black on the outside; the lid, sides, and base show widespread wear and scratches consistent with the piece's age. The lid features an incised and gilded cityscape—recognizable as Krakow with its distinctive church spires—within an oval medallion framed by stylized edelweiss blossoms. The words "Krakow. 1943." are inscribed in gold cursive script along the long side of the box, clearly placing the piece in its historical and geographical context: Krakow was the capital of the German General Government in occupied Poland in 1943. The interior is made of untreated wood and bears an oval owner's stamp in violet: "Ballet Mistress Mia Herzmansky, Vienna I., Franz Josefs Kai 27, Tel. 63-40-752" — a rare provenance mark that gives the piece an individual history. The condition is heavily used with noticeable scratches on all exterior surfaces; the motif on the lid is well preserved and clearly legible. A keyhole is present; a key is missing. See less