Lap desk182512 × 16 3/4 × 12"Paint on woodBequest of Samuel L. Meulendyke1986.5.30152483387Artist unidentifiedFurniture/FurnishingsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. Nonehttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster20055United StatesPennsylvaniaThree Dimensional WorksThis box appears to be typical of a form made in Pennsylvania - it is similar to " hanging boxes ", sometimes used for spices, and cutlery boxes, see attached. It also has the same form as a bible box - see INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN, p. 133, item 264 - the same construction and size ( without painted decoration ), the drawer for writing implements to record significant family events. Whatever its purpose, this was a protective depository and a decorative piece. Painted and decorated wood sudstituted for more expensive and elaborate ornamental carving and materials. The designs on this box are similar to those that appear on Frakturs, see attached.Wood lap desk, painted and grained, red/brown - sloped and hinged lid - scalloped molding (ca. 2" high), with 6 half circles decorated in red, yellow and green. Beveled projecting molding at base. Front drawer at base, with brass knob. Front, L, R, and molding have painted designs. Front - L and R borders have vertical black and yellow stripe with parallel yellow and black dots between. Center - yellow heart surrounded in outline by black dots. On either side of heart is a yellow tulip bud, semi-enclosed by black dots; green leaves with yellow dots in outline. Above drawer, L and R, green and yellow quarter-fan designs. Drawer has groove carved out at T, R and L - painted green; TL - 4 1 " circles (2 outside yellow - 2 inside green ) , below 2 1 " semi-circles (L= yellow, R= green) surrounded by leaves. Design repeated on R, except T inner circles black; semi-circles and leaves mirror those on L. Knob in C of black circle, ca. 1 1/4" diameter, with 4 circular green petals. Drawer closes flush to base molding. Repeat design on L and R - dark stripe an L and R edges; corners have 1/4 fans, green and yellow ( UL on L - UR on R - outlined in thick black stripe); large central dark blue circle encircled in green, 4 yellow petal-like shapes in center.Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster20055http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster20055http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2005518251825 1986 5 3 This box appears to be typical of a form made in Pennsylvania - it is similar to " hanging boxes ", sometimes used for spices, and cutlery boxes, see attached. It also has the same form as a bible box - see INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN, p. 133, item 264 - the same construction and size ( without painted decoration ), the drawer for writing implements to record significant family events. Whatever its purpose, this was a protective depository and a decorative piece. Painted and decorated wood sudstituted for more expensive and elaborate ornamental carving and materials. The designs on this box are similar to those that appear on Frakturs, see attached.Wood lap desk, painted and grained, red/brown - sloped and hinged lid - scalloped molding (ca. 2" high), with 6 half circles decorated in red, yellow and green. Beveled projecting molding at base. Front drawer at base, with brass knob. Front, L, R, and molding have painted designs. Front - L and R borders have vertical black and yellow stripe with parallel yellow and black dots between. Center - yellow heart surrounded in outline by black dots. On either side of heart is a yellow tulip bud, semi-enclosed by black dots; green leaves with yellow dots in outline. Above drawer, L and R, green and yellow quarter-fan designs. Drawer has groove carved out at T, R and L - painted green; TL - 4 1 " circles (2 outside yellow - 2 inside green ) , below 2 1 " semi-circles (L= yellow, R= green) surrounded by leaves. Design repeated on R, except T inner circles black; semi-circles and leaves mirror those on L. Knob in C of black circle, ca. 1 1/4" diameter, with 4 circular green petals. Drawer closes flush to base molding. Repeat design on L and R - dark stripe an L and R edges; corners have 1/4 fans, green and yellow ( UL on L - UR on R - outlined in thick black stripe); large central dark blue circle encircled in green, 4 yellow petal-like shapes in center.Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org