{HISTORY}

A lovely example of artistic collaboration, this vintage brass box with its colorful red bird decoration is a culmination of three different styles of art and artisans. 

The box was made sometime around the 1940s, possibly in England.  It features a lovely brass basketweave design on the sides, a brass-framed panel on the lid with a brass clasp, and a wood-lined interior.  Most likely, this box originally displayed a landscape print on the lid, but at some point in the 1980s, the image was swapped out for a textile piece featuring a rendition of John James Audubon's 1822 Cardinal Grosbeak, also known as the Northern Cardinal. 

The textile, fixed under glass, is of thin material and of micro velvet/suede-like texture and signed by an artist, V. Clark '83. Whether V. was responsible for printing the cardinal on the fabric or augmenting the Audubon portrait to include some clusters of red and green berries, or if this was a gift for V. marking a special date or occasion, we will never know, but that aside, the combination of colorful Audubon art and the tarnish of the aged brass is a lovely pairing. 

Sized at 6" inches (length) x 3.75" inches (width) x 2" inches (height), this petite art box with its wood lining and heavy stature, offers a lot of possibilities for use including storage and oragnization of sewing notions, paper ephemera, jewlery, spare change, desk organization, art supplies, mini collections, and all sorts of other bits and bobs that might need to be wrangled. 

When it comes to symbolism, cardinals represent love, family, good luck, and remembrance. This adds another layer of meaning to a box like this time traveler from the past, as it aims to bring new lasting memories to your home for many years to come.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Colors include crimson, cranberry, pine green, spring green, blueberry, olive, and elephant grey 
• Made of brass, wood, glass, and fabric 
• Please note: Because the wood lining on the interior lid has warped a bit over time, there is a small gap on the left side between the lid and the base. However, the clasp does latch completely and securely holds everything in place. 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this box is very clean and bright both inside and out. The brass contains a lovely aged patina. The bird is bright and colorful. The hinged lid opens and closes smoothly, and the clasp latches securely. The box rests on protective feet to ensure scratch-free surfaces. Please see the notes above and all the photos regarding the small gap that appears between the lid and base when the box is closed. 

{SIZE}

Measures 6" inches (length) x 3.75" inches (width) x 2" inches (height) and weighs 12 oz.