The shape of this box with it’s sloping sides was inspired by the remains of Sudan’s forgotten Nubian pyramids and those built by the Mayans a continent apart. This design provided a strong four sided canvas to depict an ever changing landscape as the seasons move on and the box turns.
The vivid palette of colours was achieved using velum, slices of natural stone and a variety of cabouchon and carved semi precious stones.
Deep blue leather on the lid suggests night skies acting as a backdrop to the revolving compass and the astrological wheel which neatly divides into the four seasonal quarters.
The interior of the box splits into three layers containing pieces that can be worn or used
representing people and memories from the recipient’s life.
Meaningful detail and personal symbols woven into each piece.
Ceramicist Gillian Highland created the bronze lustre panel for the Egyptian mirror.
The true starting point for this project was the box within the box that sits on the bottom
layer... The Aquatic Perfume Bottle Box.
I have used glass work in some of my other treasure box projects and I was waiting for an opportunity to incorporate a perfume bottle box within an overall design.
Whilst percolating ideas I read an interesting and pertinent article about some of the artefacts recovered from the wreck of Titanic including a leather satchel containing several intact small glass vials of perfume. When opened the room was filled with the beautiful fragrance from these little treasures despite having been sitting quietly on the ocean floor for 86 years.
It seemed an obvious decision to have this box bound in aquatic leathers; richly textured wolf fish, catfish and ray with some sections of Russia Hide (probably reindeer) which divers brought up from the wreck of the Danish brigantine, the Metta Catharina, that foundered in a storm in 1786 off Plymouth Sound. The cargo of hides survived centuries on the seabed thanks to layers of airless black mud and the skill of the tanners and curriers of St Petersburg who preserved the leather using willow bark and birch oil. This distinct aroma is still present.
I have heavily embellished the exterior surfaces with silver corals and seashells using pearl and gold detail. Various shades of yellow and Madeira citrine stud the starfish draped over the lid. The double doors open to reveal 12 stowed perfume bottles beautifully crafted by glass artisan Clare Gaylard.
Graphic artist Sooky Choi designed the luggage labels and liner tickets.
Do you have an idea that you would like to discuss?