Solid olive wood box, hand-joined in the Holy Land in the 19th century and carried home by a pilgrim, with an inked Hebrew inscription across the lid and a brass keyhole at the front. The serpentine grain is the real thing, and handling has worn it to a deep honey colour. There are inked marks and light scratches from age, but the box is sound, the lid closes true and the brass hinges still work as they should.
Details
Hand-crafted box of solid olive wood, Holy Land / Israel, 19th century
Inked Hebrew inscription on the lid, in the manner of traditional Jerusalem keepsake boxes
Strongly figured, serpentine olive wood grain with a rich honeyed patina
Hinged lid with brass hinges and a brass keyhole escutcheon to the front (no key present)
Approximate dimensions: 17 cm wide, 12 cm deep, 10 cm high
Condition: honest age and use, with inked marks, minor surface scratches and patina; structurally sound, lid sits true
A genuine antique pilgrim keepsake casket, not a modern reproduction
