{"product_id":"a-diminutive-early-17th-century-chip-carved-antique-oak-boarded-box-bible-box","title":"A Diminutive Early 17th-Century Chip-Carved Antique Oak Boarded Box \/ Bible Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA finely preserved early 17th‑century chip‑carved boarded box\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted in oak and displaying the distinctive geometric carving associated with Northern European folk‑tradition work of the period. The lid, façade and side panels are decorated with hand‑cut chip‑carved motifs — crisp, rhythmic, and deeply incised — giving the piece a striking sculptural presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConstructed using traditional boarded techniques, the box is formed from oak planks joined with early nails and pegged elements, typical of domestic storage boxes of the mid‑to‑late 1600s. The surface shows a rich, time‑earned patina, with warm colouration and gentle burnishing from centuries of handling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternally, the box is void of any fittings but retains its blue paper lining.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese boxes were often used for valuables, documents, devotional books, or small personal possessions. The survival of its carving in such clarity is particularly appealing, offering both decorative impact and strong historical character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderful example of early woodworking skill and vernacular design — tactile, authentic, and highly collectable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eEarly 17thC. Northern Europe, most probably the Netherlands. Ex-John Bank collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oak, iron and brass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please refer to the images. There is surface wear commensurate with age. The iron hinges have been replaced historically with later brass hinges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 42.5 cm (16.73 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21.5 cm (8.46 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 cm (5.91 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52971661164886,"sku":"HAF7303","price":950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/7462\/5878\/files\/Photoroom-20260330-134438.jpg?v=1774877600","url":"https:\/\/holtantiquefurniture.com\/products\/a-diminutive-early-17th-century-chip-carved-antique-oak-boarded-box-bible-box","provider":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}