Fine writing box, made of olive wood, with carved ornamentations of sites in Eretz Israel. [Eretz Israel, late 19th century].
Olive wood, carved ornamentation, inlaid wood. Printing.
The body of the box consists of two parts: a writing box and a pencil case.
The pencil case for storing writing supplies – inkwell, pen etc., is divided into compartments and includes a locking mechanism (key is missing). Vegetal patterns and the Cave of Patriarchs are carved on the cover of the pencil case (with title printed in Hebrew). A frame surrounds the ornamentation created from inlaid colorful miniature pieces of wood.
The writing box has an inclining cover, which opens with two hinges and can be used as 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: Tombs of the Davidic Kings and flowers. The frame around the ornamentations is made of inlaid pieces of wood in different colors, some in the shape of a Star of David. Inscribed on upper part of cover are the titles "ירושלם" and "Jerusalem".
Side panels (on right and left) are also carved, with vegetal ornamentations and Holy Sites. On the right – the Western Wall and on the left – Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock). Height: approx. 12 cm, width: 34.5 cm, length: 28 cm. Good condition. Slight damages.