Jewellery box - Wood

Large Lebanese Damascene-Style Mosaic Jewellery Box – Mother-of-Pearl – c. 1950s

A particularly large and extensively decorated Middle Eastern mosaic jewellery box, most probably originating from Lebanon and dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950s–1960s.

The box is executed in the traditional Damascene-style mosaic marquetry technique associated with the decorative woodworking traditions of the Levant.

Its decoration is considerably more elaborate than that found on many smaller examples of this type.

The large rectangular lid is covered with a complex geometric composition consisting of numerous concentric decorative borders. At the centre is an elongated diamond containing an intricate multi-pointed star motif, surrounded by repeating stars, diamonds and exceptionally fine striped mosaic bands.
The decoration continues extensively around all four sides of the box, creating an unusually rich and coherent overall design.
Numerous contrasting natural wood tones have been combined with small iridescent mother-of-pearl inlays and pale geometric elements to create the characteristic micro-mosaic effect.

The craftsmanship is particularly evident in the extremely narrow multicoloured borders, which consist of numerous individually arranged sections of contrasting material.
The interior retains its fitted red textile-lined compartment, finished around the upper edge with twisted decorative cord.

Closely related mid-20th-century boxes are documented as Lebanese production using walnut/fruitwoods, mother-of-pearl and mosaic marquetry while consciously continuing the Syrian/Damascene decorative tradition.

The box is unsigned and carries no visible country or workshop mark. Lebanon is therefore given as the probable country of origin based on comparison with documented examples, rather than as a documented maker attribution.

Details
- Object: Large jewellery / keepsake box
- Country of origin: Lebanon
- Region / tradition: Levant – Damascene-style
- Period: Mid-20th century
- Dating: Approximately 1950s–1960s
- Technique: Mosaic marquetry / geometric inlay
- Materials: Various woods, mother-of-pearl and pale inlay material
- Interior: Red textile-lined fitted compartment
- Maker: Unknown / unsigned
- Height: 6 cm
- Width: 19 cm
- Depth: 13.5 cm

I would not identify the pale inlay as ivory. Similar documented Lebanese examples use mother-of-pearl, shell and various fruitwoods, while comparable Levantine pieces can also contain bone or other pale materials. Without testing, the conservative description is simply “pale inlay material”.

Condition
Good vintage condition with clear age-related wear consistent with use and age.
The mosaic decoration remains visually impressive and largely complete, although there are small areas of surface wear, minor losses and rubbing, particularly around some edges and corners.
The wooden underside shows numerous scratches and signs of use.
The red textile interior shows age-related wear, marks and some deterioration.
Important condition note: the two metal hinges are in worn condition and are somewhat misaligned/skewed. They remain functional and the lid can still be opened and closed, but the hinges should be considered a condition issue and may benefit from future adjustment or conservation.
No attempt has been made to extensively restore or refinish the box.

Please examine all photographs carefully; they form an integral part of the condition description.

Shipping & Taxes
The box will be carefully and securely packed to protect the wooden mosaic decoration, hinges and interior during transport.

Shipping will be arranged with tracking and insurance where available.

Please note that any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, customs clearance charges or other fees imposed by the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

























































































































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