Empire Sewing Box in the Form of a Nightstand, circa 1800.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional and rare Vienna Empire period Sewing box, ingeniously designed in the form of a miniature architectural nightstand and dating to the beginning of the 19th century.
Crafted from solid mahogany and raised on a contrasting ebonized square plinth base, the cylindrical body is accented with finely chased ormolu vertical mounts featuring delicate neoclassical ornament. A diamond-shaped escutcheon reinforces the illusion of a functional cabinet, landing architectural character to the design.
The piece is crowned with a white marble top set within a turned collar. The top unscrews by an integrated wooden threads to reveal a fitted interior with its original sewing implements executed in bone, ivory and glass with ormolu trim.
The precision of the fittings and the clever mechanical construction reflect the refined craftsmanship of Period Viennese workshops.
This example beautifully embodies the Viennese interpretation of Empire design with its architectural elegance, merging sculptural presence with function.
A rare and sophisticated early 19th century Viennese sewing necessaire...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Empire Antique Virginia - Boxes