Arts and Crafts Newlyn Copper Chased String Box Flanged Base 1900

A Newlyn copper ware antique Arts and Crafts cylindrical shaped hand crafted copper string box with kelp like seaweed chased decoration.

This very decorative and collectable piece has a novel construction method of a rolled and soldered seam sheet body which has been flanged and riveted to the base. There are twenty two small tabs on the bottom of the body, each individually cut, shaped, drilled and copper riveted to the plain circular sheet base. A skilled and time consuming manufacturing process highlighting the artisan nature of the piece which was the whole ethos of the arts and crafts / art nouveau period. There is no maker's mark as is often the case with hand crafted items such as this, but it is identical in manufacturing and decorative style to pieces produced by the Newlyn School. It dates to circa 1900.

The Newlyn school, or Newlyn Industrial Class, was set up in 1890 by John Drew Mackenzie to help Cornish Fishermen supplement their income and it operated in a similar manner to the earlier Keswick School of Industrial Arts that had been set up by Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.

The string box stands 3 inches high and has a base diameter of 4 5/16 inches. it has a slightly domed close fitting lid, featuring a repousse dotted design with a central string hole. It weighs 221 grammes unpacked . It is in excellent antique condition, it has a some very minor knocks and dents commensurate with age and use.

This is a great decorative and useful item of antique Newlyn arts and crafts metalware to add to any collection.

Free UK and international postage with this item when purchased at the listed price.