Fine writing box, made of olive wood, with carved ornamentations of sites in Eretz Israel. [Eretz Israel, late 19th century].
Olive wood, carved ornamentations, inlaid wood.
The body of the box consists of two parts: a writing box and a pencil case.
The pencil case for storing writing supplies – ink well, pen etc., is divided into compartments and includes a locking mechanism (key is missing). On the pencil case's cover appear carved ornamentations of flowers and the Cave of the Patriarchs. The frame around the ornamentations is of inlaid miniature pieces of wood in different colors.
The writing box has an inclining cover which opens with two hinges and turns into a writing surface. The inner part of the writing surface rises and reveals a storage compartment for paper. Behind a movable wooden plaque, in the back panel of the paper storage compartment, are two small movable drawers.
In the center of the writing box's cover appear carved ornamentations: the Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock) and flowers. The frame around the ornamentations, made of inlaid pieces of wood in different colors, creates the shape of the Jerusalem Cross.
The side panels of the case (right and left) are also carved with vegetal patterns and holy sites. On the right – the Western Wall, and on the left – Rachel's Tomb.
Height: 11 cm, width: 39 cm, length: 28 cm. Good condition. Minor damages.