Dome Lid Box

Dateca. 1840

MediumPainted tulip poplar wood, iron lock and handle and spring hinges

DimensionsOH: 7 3/4"; OL: 18"; OD: 9 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Effie Thixton Arthur

Object number1979.708.6

DescriptionDome lid box with original surface mounted iron spring lock, keyhole cover and one iron bail handle (at top). The box is dovetailed and the painted decoration in brown and green over a cream painted ground was achieved by rolling and walking rolled cloths or chamois in paint across the surface. It retains its original spring hinges which are clasped to interior of lid and bottom.
Label Text"Vinegar" or "putty-painting"-- a technique accomplished by "walking" a darker glaze over the ground color with a soft substance like a rag, a bit of leather, or a piece of putty -- was used to decorate this box. Vinegar in a glaze reacted with the linseed oil in the putty to cause a separation which accounts for the unusual seaweed-like patterns.

A penciled inscription inside the lid appears to read "John H. Haidener [?] 1840," the name being repeated on the exterior back cross piece of the lid as well. This may refer to the person for whom the box was made, or Haidener may have constructed or painted it.
InscribedPencil inscription underside of lid: "John N Haidener (?) / 1840"