Box

1875-1910

Measurements

4-1/8 in x 14-1/4 in x 7-7/8 in

Materials

Paper mache, unidentified wood, lacquer

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.930

Inscription

“Box brought to / Ann Jefferis from / China by her father / James Jefferis” is written in ink on a manila tag attached to the inside of the lid.

Condition Notes

The box is missing woven textile straps attached inside at each side that hold the lid in place when opened.  Small sections of the paper mache coating have broken off the sides near edges.  The finished surface has darkened and become dirty.  The lacquer surface has fractures.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

This box with a hinged lid and rounded corners is covered in a thick layer of paper mache, made of paper pulp and a binding layer of glue.  The paper mache layer was molded and colored in a deep red and black, and then given a protective coating of lacquer.  The maker's name is stamped into the paper mache surface on the bottom.  The lid is attached with simple cotter pins.

Accumulated dirt and grime on the box lid, as well as darkening from prolonged oxidation, obscures the design worked into it.  Clusters of seated Chinese individuals are visible.