Accession Number

983.130a-b

Description

a. A black lacquered Japanese box altered to create an opening for an oval insert, the hinged top decorated with bronze-coloured flowers and leaves, the inside of the lid lined with red velvet, b. a circa 1887 photograph of Robert Dunsmuir inserted into the oval insert and covered by clear glass.

Narrative

This box may have been used to store handkerchiefs, letters, cards, or sewing accessories.  

History of Use

The history of this object is unknown, but it has been at Craigdarroch since 1975 or earlier. It was probably owned by successive descendants of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir and given to The Castle Society by one of them. Possible donors include James Guy Payne Audain (1903-1970), who was a President and Vice President of the Society, or one of the three Macdonald sisters, daughters of Joan Olive Bryden (1887-1959), who donated many items to The Castle Society in the early 1970's.  

Date

circa 1889

Dimensions

17 cm x 6.5 cm x 20 cm

Material

Wood; Fabric, silk, velvet

Support

Paper, Photographic paper

Technique

Lacquered

Country of Origin

Japan and Canada