Bejeweled and Enamel Star Shaped Keepsake Box
Date: 2017-2020
Inventory Number: MUS-117-0010
Classification: Box
Subject:
(not assigned):Southeastern-USA
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
5.1 × 5.1 × 2.5 cm (2 × 2 × 1 in.)
Accessories: cotton bag with cotton drawstring--cavity packing
Credit Line: Purchased in 2017
Description:
a bejeweled red, white and gold enameled memory box--made of a pewter alloy and set with Austrian crystals. hand-painted using a technique that combines inlaid enamel and clear-cut stones. the front of the box has a magnetic closure that secures the opening—the box has open access for the storage of small objects. red enameled stripes are on sides of the keepsake box and the lid is attached by a metal hinge at the back which is used to hold the cover in place. enameled ivory covers both the top and bottom on the inside of the box and the bottom of the outside has a raised sunburst appearance. No observable hallmarks.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Functionmemory boxes are often created or purchased to mark life's major events such as a, christening, wedding, birthday or First Holy Communion. In addition to the aesthetic beauty of trinket boxes, the objects are also used for storage.
Historical AttributesKeepsake or memory boxes were historically made from wood. They were carried by royalty and wealthy individuals in earlier centuries, and often contained jewelry, hair, medicine, snuff or perfume. Traditionally, they are also used to store mementos and to commemorate special events or people. They may be given to individuals suffering with memory loss and to those who have lost a loved one--- they are believed to help with the grieving process and some researchers hypothersize that they may stimulate the recovery of lost long-term memories. The custom of giving trinket boxes is dependent upon cultural and geographical locations. Keepsake, memory or trinket boxes may be personalised with an individual's name, design or picture.
Keepsake, memory and trinket boxes have been uncovered that date back to 5000 B.C.
Keepsake, memory and trinket boxes have been uncovered that date back to 5000 B.C.
Curatorial RemarksThe memory box is in like new condition and there is no apparent tarnishing or corrosion present. It is free of any accretion, mold (bloom), flaking or blistering of the enamel. There are no noted scratches, markings, discolorations or distortions of the object at the date of accessioning.
Higher resolution digital photos would be optimal for documentation purposes.
Recommendation: Continue to properly house the object in cavity packaging in ethafoam in the assigned drawer while memory box is not on exhibition. Check for tranishing and other possible negative changes during regularly scheduled inventory checks. Notify conservation/preservation department concerning any preceived distortions and complete a new condition report.
Brief Background:
Keepsake boxes are traditionally used for storing mementos from a special occassion or person. Memory boxes are also provided by hospitals sometimes in the event of stillbirths or miscarriages. The cost of keepsake and trinket boxes vary in price and the purchase amount is often dependent upon the maker. Higher end manufacturers of keepsake boxes include such companies as Limoge, Wedgwood and Lalique.
Higher resolution digital photos would be optimal for documentation purposes.
Recommendation: Continue to properly house the object in cavity packaging in ethafoam in the assigned drawer while memory box is not on exhibition. Check for tranishing and other possible negative changes during regularly scheduled inventory checks. Notify conservation/preservation department concerning any preceived distortions and complete a new condition report.
Brief Background:
Keepsake boxes are traditionally used for storing mementos from a special occassion or person. Memory boxes are also provided by hospitals sometimes in the event of stillbirths or miscarriages. The cost of keepsake and trinket boxes vary in price and the purchase amount is often dependent upon the maker. Higher end manufacturers of keepsake boxes include such companies as Limoge, Wedgwood and Lalique.
Primary SourcesJacobson, Wendy. Capture a Moment in a Memory Box. St. Paul, MN: One World Memorials, 2017.
Rogge, Jorg and Hannu Salmi. Memory Boxes: An Experimental Approach to Cultural
Transfer in History, 1500–2000
. Mainz, Germany: Mainz Historical Cultural Sciences: Johannes Gutneberg University Press, 2011.
Rogge, Jorg and Hannu Salmi. Memory Boxes: An Experimental Approach to Cultural
Transfer in History, 1500–2000
. Mainz, Germany: Mainz Historical Cultural Sciences: Johannes Gutneberg University Press, 2011.
Provenancepurchased in Reno, Nevada on January 2, 2017--Woodshed Galleria.
Published ReferencesJacobson, Wendy. Capture a Moment in a Memory Box. St. Paul, MN: One World Memorials, 2017.
Ragle, Katheryn. The Trinket Box. Eubank, KY: Maple Hill Publishing, 2012.
Rogge, Jorg and Hannu Salmi. Memory Boxes: An Experimental Approach to Cultural
Transfer in History, 1500–2000
. Mainz, Germany: Mainz Historical Cultural Sciences: Johannes Gutneberg University Press, 2011.