Skip to main content
Items Similar to Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk
Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk
English Victorian Papier Mache Desk Box
English Victorian Papier Mache Desk Box
19th Century English Paper Mâché Box
19th Century English Paper Mâché Box
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16

Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish

$995
£759.66
€870.07
CA$1,393.99
A$1,558.65
CHF 817.58
MX$18,879.02
NOK 10,320.32
SEK 9,750.20
DKK 6,494.22

About the Item

This antique writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1880 and done in the period Victorian style. The box is constructed of paper mache which has been treated with a lacquer finish or Japanned and decorated with flowers with gilt accents. The box has a scalloped shaped top and base and opens into a writing surface with a compartment for pens and ink and a compartment for papers and envelopes. These lap desks were common in Victorian homes and were used for writing letters and as decoration when not in use.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Width: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Hand-Painted,Japanned,Machine-Made
  • Place of Origin:
    England
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: The pull tab for the compartment under the writing area was NOT replaced, and there is some indication that some of the lacquered finish has been restored. Replacements made: It appears that the leather on top of the writing surface has been changed at some point. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Some wear to the japanned finish and a repair to one small corner area as presented in the phhotos, and consistent with age and use. Please note there are no ink bottles and we have no key for the lock.
  • Seller Location:
    Hamilton, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1355230444652

More From This Seller

View All
Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1880 and done in the perio...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper

Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish

Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish

$995
Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk
By Jennens and Bettridge
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique writing box or lap desk was made by the highly renowned Jennens & Bettridge of England in approximately 1880 and done in the period Vi...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper

Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk

Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk

$1,495
Antique Lacquered Paper Mache Sewing or Jewelry Box with Inlaid Carved Shell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique paper mâché and lacquered box is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in England in circa 1870 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The box was made as a sewing chest, but could be adapted for other purposes such as a jewelry box. The box is composed of paper mâché with a glossy black lacquered finish. The stepped top has scalloped edges and a detailed border of inlaid mother of pearl done with a floral motif. The central portion of the box's top is done with large pieces of mother of pearl or abalone shell and accented with flaked gilt details. The front and sides of the box are accented with hand-painted gilt detailing and the inside of the top is hand painted with floral accents. The inner tray of this box is divided into several compartments, some having fabric covered lids with molded handles. The inside of the box is paper lined in the same blue patterned paper as the tray. There is small brass lock on the front of the box, but there is no key. The box is finished with round squat biscuit shaped feet. Please note that due to the composition of this box, it may only be shipped within Canada.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper

Antique Lacquered Paper Mache Sewing or Jewelry Box with Inlaid Carved Shell

Antique Lacquered Paper Mache Sewing or Jewelry Box with Inlaid Carved Shell

$1,450
Antique Paper Mache Lacquered Trinket or Jewelry Box with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique trinket or jewelry box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1880 and done in the period Vic...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Paper

Antique Paper Mache Lacquered Trinket or Jewelry Box with Floral Decoration

Antique Paper Mache Lacquered Trinket or Jewelry Box with Floral Decoration

$995
Superb Antique Folk Art Parquetry Casket Styled Writing Box or Lap Desk
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This exquisite antique parquetry writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1900 in a Folk Art style. The box itself, including th...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Boxes

Materials

Softwood

Superb Antique Folk Art Parquetry Casket Styled Writing Box or Lap Desk

Superb Antique Folk Art Parquetry Casket Styled Writing Box or Lap Desk

$3,495
Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case
By Rolex
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage 1920’s intricate designed pressboard watch box is in excellent condition and is made with meticulous craftsmanship. Beautifully embossed top, reminiscent of tooled leath...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case

Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case

$1,200

You May Also Like

English Victorian Papier Mache Desk Box
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian papier mache and gold inlaid decorated lap desk box with floral bouquet.  
Category

20th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

English Victorian Papier Mache Desk Box

English Victorian Papier Mache Desk Box

$1,800
19th Century English Paper Mâché Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted papier mâché box with original perfume bottles.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Paper Mâché Box

19th Century English Paper Mâché Box

$2,950
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian papier mache pearl inlaid box with scalloped and floral painted top.  
Category

20th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes

English Victorian Papier Mache Box

English Victorian Papier Mache Box

$3,500
English Victorian Papier Mache Box
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian papier mache pearl inlaid rectangular shaped box with oval shaped center.  
Category

20th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes

English Victorian Papier Mache Box

English Victorian Papier Mache Box

$2,400
19th Century English Papier Mâché Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely old papier mâché tea caddy with inlaid mother-of-pearl and hand-painted decoration, England, 19th century.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Tea Caddies

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Paper

19th Century English Papier Mâché Tea Caddy

19th Century English Papier Mâché Tea Caddy

$675
Antique French Boulle Writing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Edged In Brass From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this French Boulle Writing Box. The Writing Box of small form having a square shaped body veneered in ebonise...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique French Boulle Writing Box

Antique French Boulle Writing Box

$1,907
Free Shipping

More Ways To Browse

Japanned Finish
Antique Japanese Box
Japanned English Furniture
Paper Mache Furniture
Victorian Painted Box
Antique Japanese Desk
Antique Paper Mache Hand
Japanese Writing Desk
19th Century Ladies Writing Desk
Antique Pen Box
Lacquer Writing Box
Paper Mache Box
Lap Desks
Antique Lap Desk
Japanese Writing Box
Victorian Paper Mache
19th Century Lap Desk
Antique Paper Mache Boxes
View All Popular Decorative Boxes Searches