C. 1795 Straw-work Miniature Domed Box with Newspaper Lining, Signed J. Breckenridge face doorknob messages written in secret code

messages written in secret code

One area of greening on one side

with a grain painted sort of surface

but I think shows very beautifully

with the tiniest interior egg very tiny indeed

C. 1795 Straw-work Miniature Domed Box with Newspaper Lining, Signed J. Breckenridge face doorknob messages written in secret codeI have never paid very much attention to straw work, also called straw marquetry, but this miniature dome topped straw work box, lined with newspaper dating it to c. 1795, has converted me! Examples of this sort are most often referred to as Napoleonic prisoner of war work, as most pieces available today were made in England in prisoner of war camps and prison ships between 1793 and 1815 making this an early one. Drawing on traditions practiced in