Boxes



Boxes in the collection reflect the European and Asian influences prevalent at Hill-Stead. Included are 18th- and 19th-century English tea caddies, knife boxes and letter boxes, all with inlaid marquetry designs. Sewing boxes constructed of wood and tortoise shell—many adorned with ivory—combine the practical with the ornamental. Pierced and engraved brass boxes are exhibited, as well as two boxes with work by André Charles Boulle. A red lacquer Obento box, composed of two fitted tiers and a lid, boasts exterior decorations of tsubas (sword guards) and kozukas (utility knife guards).