Pennsylvania Spice Box

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Spice Box front view portrait with door closed
Spice Box close up portrait with door closed
Spice Box close up with door open
Spice Box with drawers and door open

Materials: Curly Maple, Poplar

Dimenions:  19-1/2″ High, 17-1/2″ Wide, 10″ Deep

The name “spice box” originated in the 18th century when spices were quite valuable and locked up in chests such as these. This box features a double-arch door concealing 11 dovetailed drawers, among which are hidden three secret compartments.

Two colors of dyes were used to “pop” the figure, followed by multiple coats of finish. After the finish cured, the piece was buffed by hand with steel wool, and a coat of paste wax was applied.

The asymmetric escutcheon, or piece of brass surrounding the keyhole, adds a bit of flair to the piece, mimicking both the organic nature of the wood’s curls and the geometric flow of the ogee bracket feet.

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