Box - Wood - Sorrentino style

Elegant antique rectangular wooden box (historically used as a glove or writing box), an example of Italian craftsmanship related to the Sorrento tradition, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The lid features high-quality marquetry made of light woods (maple/boxwood) depicting two winged mythological figures in mirror image (chimerae/griffins) immersed in refined phytomorphic motifs of racemes. The outer border is decorated with a very fine micro-inlay geometric wooden mosaic, well preserved. Condition: The top inlay and the visible sides are in good aesthetic condition. Clean, unlined natural wood interior. Fully original rear brass hinges with period-correct flat-slotted screws. Defects to note: A conspicuous chip with wood loss on the bottom outer corner of the exterior edge (as shown in the photos), where the old housing for the front locking mechanism used to be anchored. There is also a small hole on the inner bevel. The lid rests and closes flat anyway.