These 19th century British watercolor boxes are hard to come by, and tend to be very preciously priced, so I was very happy to find this one at Brimfield, purchased from a very good dealer in my neck of the woods. Produced by Joshua Rogers, iI know from a bit of research it dates to right around 1870. The china dishes and rectangular palette are original to it, as are some of the watercolor paint blocks (the ones showing eagles and shields)--and that glorious lapis blue, gold star printed paper lining the compartments holding the mixing dishes and the bottom drawer (glorious!) The remainder of the paint blocks appear of be Bourgeois Ainé (Paris) of about the same age--clearly this was the box of a student or artist who used it, and assembled a palette of paint blocks to suit their needs. With a couple of drafting compasses and one well used paintbrush, and in the bottom drawer a set of figural brass/copper stencils. A lovely set just to have around to look at and make one feel creative, but completely usable still; it is always time for a plein air painting outing!
Box closed measures 9 1/2" x 5 3/4" x 2 1/2". Exterior of box in lovely condition, and lid closed square and flush. This was a box that was used, with paint drips to the interior as evident--all to the good in my opinion. Some use to paints themselves, but all are whole, and near complete. The bottom drawer sticks some (I will try a little soap along the edges to help with the glide before sending) but will pull all the way and and close fully with a little care.
