Decorated Dome Lid Box

Date1820-1830

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts or New York or Vermont

MediumBasswood, iron, leather, brass, paper, and paint

DimensionsOH: 16"; OW: 34 7/8"; OD: 18 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1976.708.1

DescriptionLarge dome lidded box with painted decoration on mustard-color ground. The decoration is in green, brown, red and white. The top is a floral decoration in the corners and a central medallion bordered by lines; the sides with half moons, lines, and beads. Top is hinged with leather straps and wire hinges. Metal handles on sides with an iron lock and latch painted black. The keyhole cover is brass. Old paper label glued to interior of lid.
Label TextMuch of the painted design on this dome lid box mimics the ornamental brass tacking patterns and fringed leather strips found on leather covered trunks of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Like its leather counterparts, this whimsically ornamented box was used for transporting clothing and other personal items during travel.
MarkingsPaper label inside lid of box dated 1925 states "Property of Sylvia S. Sherman/Born April 21st 1816/This chest was given her when/she made her first journey/at the age of thirteen history/does not say if it were new/--or a hand down."
ProvenanceCharles Driscoll purchased this box indirectly from Hilda Luther's gift shop in Old Forg, N. Y. in 1973.