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This box departs a little bit from my usual style, if I have one: the brief for this was that it should look 4000 years old and much travelled.

It was designed to contain a variety of cut and uncut samples of lapis which, there is evidence to suggest, has been mined in Afghanistan for as long as 4000 years. So, with a view to creating the impression of a extremely old and worn leather-covered trunk, it is made from birch plywood veneered with macassar ebony and then veneered again with wany-edged burr yew. All the 'ironwork' - the straps, nails, corners and excutcheon - is made from ebony and the variety of layers give the box a very tactile quality.

The interior is unusually complex - the section at the back of the main interior was intended for phials of different grades of lapis pigments and the 'arcades' were to allow viewing of the contents without needing to remove them. Although this box does now contain some lapis it is used more as a general collector's box for other stones and for various small, interesting and valuable items.

All internal trays and drawers are made from ripple maple and lined with grey velvet to show off the lapis to best effect.

The centre of the lid features a geometric design drawn by the customer which at first I thought didn't really fit with the overall concept. He held his ground and I have to admit he was right. It's not inlaid - the design was carefully cut into the surface and the yew veneer removed to reveal the Macassar ebony underneath.

Gallery

Comments

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24 Posts
WOW!!!!!! That is beautiful …..love the woods and design …Again WOW !!!!
 

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5,279 Posts
That is just so perfect.
You do very fine work sir.
 

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6,840 Posts
This manages to combine fun, beauty, and an element of "buried treasure" all at the same time.
 

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I'm blown away by this piece Andrew. I honestly don't know where to start…... After seeing this one and your last project posted I can see why your classes stay filled up and you have published books out there. You sir are definitely a talented man…. Once again… Very impressed…
 

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387 Posts
I've studied this box many times, and find that I can get lost in all the wonderful details. When it popped up here, I once again find myself mesmerized by the sheer excellence of it all. It's like a journey through a small amusement park, where each new discovery delights more than the last. And so many delights. So many little unexpected surprises! I find myself drifting off, just staring at it. (Then, I head back off to the shop mumbling that my next one will be better than my last.)
Roger
 

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17 Posts
Love the box, the design and the attention to detail - but not to sure about that carpet!! :)

Cheers

Ian
 

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I don't even know what to say. It's perhaps one of my favorite projects here since I joined. It's such an unusual piece that I doubt there'll ever be anything like it again. Favorited, obviously.
 

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7 Posts
ditto Bertha
 

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Very Fine Box, Great Theme and execution, I have admired Your boxes on Your site for some time now, Great to be able to express my Wonder and Delight here on the site, Welcome to lj's, Great to have You here, and Thanks for sharing
 

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53 Posts
Unique and beautiful box. Your photography and use of props for the piece are top notch. The interior details are exquisite. There's so much to admire in this wonderful piece.
 

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544 Posts
Andrew, welcome to LJ's and I am sooooo happy that you have decided to join us.

I have gone back and looked at this box at least 5 times before I could even begin to try to express my thoughts on it. I am still speechless!!! This, as well as your cuff link box are the "Piece de Resistance" !
The absolute epitome of perfection of true art and craftsmanship!

I do have your book and like Charlie, only geography ( and maybe a little $$$ ) keep me from coming to learn your trade. I only someday hope that I can attain just a fraction of your talent and skills to create better boxes.

I have added you to my buddy list so I make sure that I NEVER miss one of your masterpieces…..

Thanks so much for sharing your work and skills with us….
 

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Ditto from Mav above,
I'm blown away by this piece. I honestly don't know where to start…… After seeing this one and your last project posted I can see why your classes stay filled up and you have published books out there. You sir are definitely a talented man…. Once again… Very impressed…

The best chest I have ever looked at on here! Amazing work.
 

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7 Posts
That is Awesome!
 

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Really, really nice …... just hope my wife doesn't see it :)
 

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Modern day masterpiece! Keeping skill alive…...........
 

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That's one of the best boxes I've seen. Amazing. Had me completely fooled with the leather trunk look. What did you use for the drawer slides?
 

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Speaking of hinges, man. How did you distress the mortised hinges. They fit so perfectly. Acid? I'm very curious.
 

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Andrew,

Unusual, exceptional . . . beyond words. The interior is really amazing! Thanks for sharing.

L/W
 

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I would venture to say the treasure will always be the box not its contents. You my good man are a master craftsman to say the least and I'm trilled you have join LJ's . Your art works are inspiring and amazing creations , thank you for posting ….Blkcherry
 
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