Box

ca. 1910–20

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 744

Marie Zimmermann, primarily known as an Arts and Crafts metalsmith, was also an accomplished woodworker. In this box she combines exquisitely carved and painted wood, radiant gemstones, and precious ivory to produce a vessel that embodies the Arts and Crafts ideals of handcrafted construction and the harmonious integration of various media. The fan and cobra motifs on the metalwork and the interlocking carved pattern derive from Egyptian design sources that were popular in the early twentieth century. Zimmermann was particularly proud of the box, as she retained it in her collection for her entire life. It remained in the collection of her companion until it was acquired by the Museum in 2005.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Box
Maker: Marie Zimmermann (American, Brooklyn, New York 1879–1972 Punta Gorda, Florida)
Date: ca. 1910–20
Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Wood, ivory, patinated silver, nickel-plated brass, steel, amethyst, and semi-precious quartz
Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 8 5/8 in. (26 x 31.8 x 21.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler, 2005
Object Number: 2005.464
Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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