Bella Bella Bentwood Box - SOLD

$0.00
SOLD

Cedar

1860s

Height 21 3/4"  Width 14 1/8"  Depth 17"

Provenance: Legacy Gallery, Seattle, WA

The sides of bentwood boxes are created from a single piece of wood, typically cedar. The technique of bending the wood to create a waterproof box originated on the Northwest Coast and is still used today. Bentwood boxes are created by master carpenters — those with the mathematical knowledge and the skill needed to properly kerf (make a precise incision), steam and align the corners of the box. The containers are used for many purposes, including cooking, storing wet or dry goods, transport, trade, storing regalia and ritual paraphernalia, or as grave boxes.

Bentwood boxes were, therefore, originally purpose-built. While the majority were left undecorated, some were painted and elaborately carved with formline designs such as in this fine example. Boxes that were intended to store valuable items such were decorated with a crest figure, whose spirit lived within the box and guarded its contents on behalf of the owner. Well used patina with evidence of rat gnawing on area of lid.

INQUIRE HERE

Cedar

1860s

Height 21 3/4"  Width 14 1/8"  Depth 17"

Provenance: Legacy Gallery, Seattle, WA

The sides of bentwood boxes are created from a single piece of wood, typically cedar. The technique of bending the wood to create a waterproof box originated on the Northwest Coast and is still used today. Bentwood boxes are created by master carpenters — those with the mathematical knowledge and the skill needed to properly kerf (make a precise incision), steam and align the corners of the box. The containers are used for many purposes, including cooking, storing wet or dry goods, transport, trade, storing regalia and ritual paraphernalia, or as grave boxes.

Bentwood boxes were, therefore, originally purpose-built. While the majority were left undecorated, some were painted and elaborately carved with formline designs such as in this fine example. Boxes that were intended to store valuable items such were decorated with a crest figure, whose spirit lived within the box and guarded its contents on behalf of the owner. Well used patina with evidence of rat gnawing on area of lid.

INQUIRE HERE