Desk, Portable
- Object Name:
- Desk, Portable
- Object ID:
- 1972.516.01
- Place of Origin:
- China
- Date:
- 1830-1850
- Description:
- Lap Desk, Chinese export lacquer work. Rectangular box that opens on a slant, creating a slightly angled writing surface. Box exterior is lacquered black, and completely covered with golden Asian scenes including figures and landscapes. Brass bail handles on short ends. Drawer on left side. Lock on front of box, and on side drawer. Box opens to a blue velvet writing surface, and four black lacquered compartments; one of the compartments is longer than the others, for holding pens and nibs (marked "V" underneath). Side drawer nailed together. Page from an accounting ledger dated 1843-1846 found stuffed behind the drawer. Ledger page includes text, "Estate of Jon W. Smith in account with Robert Brookhouse Salem [I. or J.] H. Hanson".
Additional contents of box includes: small bone spatula, sticks of pigment, small vial with cork, and glass inkwells. - Material:
- Wood
Gold
Brass
Velvet
Paper - Dimensions:
- H-6.5 W-19 D-11.5 inches
- Provenance:
- unknown
- Credit Line:
- New Hampshire Historical Society Collection
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