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A Fine Charles II Sugar Box of Attractive Small Size
Raised on four cast scroll legs, the bellied sides embossed with sixteen upright flutes each flanked by narrow matted bands. The front with hinged open scroll and escutcheon clasp. The lid, also hinged, with central coiled serpent handle surrounded by an oval band of acanthus leaves upon a wide matted reserve and with twelve plain oval bosses.
Date
1677
Maker
Maker's mark ?N or ?H
Dimensions
Weight
7.1" (18cm) wide, 6" (15.3cm) deep, 4" (11cm) high
17.05 oz (530 gm)
Price
£15,000
Provenince
The Astor Family at Cliveden, probably William Waldorf Astor
Thence by descent
Essay
Traditionally referred to as sugar boxes some publications also refer to them as containers for sweetmeats. Whatever their purpose the earliest would appear to be that sold by Sotheby's on 12th December 1974, lot 203, dated 1650. At the time of the restoration in 1660 they started to become increasingly popular with similar designs to this current piece appearing in England and America. What sets this piece apart from many others is its size. Being only just over 7" wide it is smaller than the standard form thus making it somewhat more attractive. Despite lengthy research we have not yet been able to discover the maker otherwise the condition is excellent.