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19th Century British Tunbridge Ware Lap Desk

About the Item

Presenting an absolutely gorgeous and extremely unique and rare 19th Century British Tunbridge ware lap desk. This lap desk is unlike any of it’s kind we have seen before. From circa 1840-1860. Made of ebony with gorgeous marquetry inlay on all sides and classic Tunbridge ware micro-mosaic all around the border. The marquetry inlay appears to be various different woods, namely, maple, walnut and satinwood. What makes this box even more intriguing and of extreme desirability is the subject matter of the inlay and mosaic. Whist, Tunbridge Wells is located in England, this box has a very definite ‘Celtic’ feel to it ! The central marquetry has lizards and birds but the main character is a ‘fairy’. The mosaic border gives us an even greater hint as to the market this was made for , probably ‘Wales’, due to the mosaic dragons all along the border. The central marquetry is not mosaic inlay but solid marquetry veneers, which is quite unusual.
  • Similar to:
    Tunbridge Ware (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 13.3 in (33.79 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
  • Style:
    High Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1840-1860
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Some minor losses and repairs. A visible crack on the front panel. Lid does not close properly. Still very good due to it’s rarity. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Good condition for it’s age and use. Some minor losses and repairs. A visible crack on the front panel. Lid does not close properly. Still very good due to it’s rarity.
  • Seller Location:
    Dallas, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3978115227041
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