Dome-Lid Box

Date1825-1850

MediumPainted wood, iron

DimensionsOH: 23 3/4"; OW:11 3/4"; OD: 10 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1961.708.2

DescriptionDome-lid box with two metal hinges joining lid to box at rear and one iron lock in center, front of box. Box ornamented with smoke decoration forming figures of a bird, a lion, dancing human figures and an Indian riding a lion.
Label TextThe images on this humorous smoke-decorated box include horses, a bird, a lion, dancing human figures and an Indian riding a lion. Smoke decorating was a simple and dramatic method of ornamentation used in the first half of the nineteenth century. To achieve the desired effect, a piece was first painted with a light colored ground coat, then a varnish was applied, and before it was completely dry, a lighted candle was passed near the surface so the soot from the flame would be deposited. The silhouettes were achieved by placing paper cutouts on the box and smoking over and around them.