Coffin - Metal

Antique relief metal box – folk performances – early 20th century

A remarkable antique metal box with richly worked relief decorations, dating from the early 20th century. This decorative small box is surrounded by vivid scenes from daily life, executed in a charming, almost storytelling style.

All sides and the lid display detailed relief scenes with figures in historical clothing. Among others, rural landscapes, an interior with people playing or talking, and scenes reminiscent of traditional Dutch folk tales or genre scenes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Such depictions were widely used on metal trinket boxes around 1900, inspired by older engravings and paintings from the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age.

The box is made of stamped metal, a technique that was widely used for decorative objects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Relief panels were applied to thin sheet metal via moulds, after which the objects were often finished with a silvered or tin-like surface. In this case the box has been later spray-painted gray/silver, giving the whole a uniform vintage look.

These kinds of boxes were often used as tobacco boxes, cigar boxes, needle cases, or small storage chests and were popular household items in Europe around 1900–1930. The rich decoration and narrative character made them not only functional but also decorative.

The interior is simply finished and shows clear signs of wear, appropriate for an object that may be over a century old. The exterior remains particularly attractive due to the abundant relief details and the historical atmosphere.

A characterful object that will appeal to both collectors of antique utilitarian objects and enthusiasts of historical decoration.

Dimensions
Width 12.5 cm
Depth 7 cm
Height 4.5 cm

Photos provide a clear view of the quality and are part of the description.

The whole item will be well packed and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also include packing materials and transport. Pickup is only possible when the auction value is over €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

Hindeloopen, folk art, Frisian, hand-painted, wooden boxes, traditional, decorative, jewelry box, folk art, Netherlands, craft GERO tin, Art Deco box, tobacco box, matchbox, stamped tin, Dutch design, vintage smoking accessories, antique tin, decorative antique metal box, relief box, vintage metal box, cigar box antique, tobacco box, stamped metal, relief box, folk scenes metal box, antique metal casket, vintage decorative box