Images(8)

Miniature Chest of Drawers, Tramp Art

Dateca. 1900

OriginAmerica

MediumCigar box wood (probably cedrela), paper, velvet, brass

DimensionsOverall: 24.1 x 25.4 x 17.8cm (9 1/2 x 10 x 7in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Dr. and Mrs. T. Marshall Hahn, Jr. Fund

Object number2015.708.1

DescriptionChip carved miniature chest with two drawers; rectangular overhanging top with carved and applied carved edge has two small drawers in cabinets at rear of top flanking rectangular framed center of a shaped backsplash; backsplash framed with carved moldings; small drawer fronts, layered with carved edges, have central diamond applique with brass round pull at center; small cabinets containing small drawers have layered pyrimidical carved tops and leaf shaped appliques on sides; large drawers, layered with carved edges, have central diamond applique (missing on top drawer) flanked by two shaped appliques with round brass pulls; corners and tapered feet of chest have vertical carved layers; shaped front skirt with carved edges has diamond applique in center flanked by two smaller diamonds appliques; sides of chest have multiple abstract leaf shaped appliques.
Label TextThis miniature chest of drawers is constructed and decorated with chip carved reclaimed wood from cigar boxes and on the interior and back, colorful cigar box paper labels. There is also evidence of a red fabric having been applied inside the drawers. This decorative chip carved technique, known at Tramp Art, was a popular hobby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America and Europe. Using recycled materials, hobbyists, mainly men, would create small boxes, mirrors, pictures frames, and other items for family and friends. Old cigar boxes and packing crates were typically used for these items. This miniture chest was likely used as a jewelry box.
Markings“WILMINGTON CITY” branded into the rear of one of the large drawers.
“Factory No [26]/ 50/ DISTMD” stamped into the underside of the chest’s bottom board.
Printed paper (partially torn) adhered to the underside of the chest’s bottom board “THE MANUFACTURE…CIGARS…/ CONTAINED HAS COMPLIED WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF…./ …Y PERSON IS CAUTIONED NOT TO USE THIS BOX FOR/ ….G..OR THE STAMP THEREON AGAIN, NOR TO REMOVE THE/ …BOX WITHOUT DESTROYING SAID STAMP”
“EA…LAKE” (possibly Eastlake?) printed on a label adhered to the underside of the dustboard between the two large drawers.