Harpsichord-Shaped Musical Sewing Box and Tools
18-19th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, ivory, metal and gilded metal, glass, mirror glass, wool, metal embroidery threads and sequins, silk, mother of pearl, 6 1/4 x 11 5/8 x 7 5/8 in. (15.9 x 29.5 x 19.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gloria B. and Herbert M. Katzenberg Collection
Object Number
2015.140
A wooden box shaped like a harpsichord with ivory inlay as keys. The lid is lined with mirror glass. A tray fitting in top of box is covered in red wool with incised pattern. A pillow shaped like the box covered with white silk satin covers the tray containing sewing tools. The tray has sections reserved for the following tools:
1.Glass bottle with a metal cap
2. Metal bodkin with gilt top
3. Scissors with ornate gilt handles
4. Metal tweezers (possibly also ear spoon) with mother of pearl top
5. Needle case of gilded metal
6. Metal thimble
Below the tray is a compartment with a mechanical mechanism to play music.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2015; Estate of Gloria Katzenberg, Baltimore
