Vintage Maitland-Smith Coconut Bark Domed Decorative Chest With Metal Accents

Details

Description

A distinctive vintage decorative chest by Maitland-Smith, constructed of wood and covered throughout in individually fitted sections of natural coconut … Read more A distinctive vintage decorative chest by Maitland-Smith, constructed of wood and covered throughout in individually fitted sections of natural coconut bark. The bark is carefully arranged across the body and domed lid in varying directions, creating a richly textured, mosaic-like surface with beautiful natural variations in tone, grain and relief.

Designed in the form of a traditional domed chest, the piece is raised on four decorative metal feet with an intricate braided or basket-weave pattern. A coordinating sculptural metal finial crowns the lid, repeating the geometric detailing of the feet and providing an attractive contrast to the organic character of the bark exterior.

The hinged lid opens to reveal a beautifully finished wood interior fitted with metal hinges and dual articulated lid supports. The original MAITLAND-SMITH metal maker’s plaque remains affixed to the interior, clearly identifying the maker.

Of particular interest is the treatment of the exterior. Rather than using a conventional wood veneer, sections of natural coconut bark serve as the principal decorative surface, allowing the individual pieces to retain their distinctive grain, fissures and irregular texture. The contrast between the richly textured natural bark, the traditional domed chest form, and the finely detailed metal accents is characteristic of Maitland-Smith’s distinctive approach to decorative design.

At approximately 16 inches wide, the chest has substantial presence and is considerably larger than a typical small trinket or jewelry box. Its unusual natural-material construction, sculptural domed form, detailed metalwork and original maker’s identification make it an especially interesting example of vintage Maitland-Smith decorative design.


Maker: Maitland-Smith
Form: Domed decorative chest
Materials: Wood, natural coconut bark and decorative metal
Dimensions: Approximately 16” W × 9.5” D × 10” H to the top of the chest; approximately 11.5” overall height including the 1.5” finial
Mark: Original Maitland-Smith metal maker’s plaque to the interior See less