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Bridebox

Bridebox
Object name 
Bridebox
Date 
ca. 1826
Medium 
Wood (probably cedar), metal
Dimensions 
Overall: 7 5/8 x 19 1/4 x 11 3/4 in. ( 19.4 x 48.9 x 29.8 cm )
Description 
Oval wooden bridebox and lid of bent side wood secured with strips of wood laced through holes; cover and sides painted in yellow, black, white, red, and green with image of bride and groom on cover with floral swag, border and German letters; sides decorated with stylized tulips and swirling patterns in background.
Credit Line 
Purchased from Elie Nadelman
Object Number 
1937.1109ab
Marks 
painted: on box lid: "In Jahr [Ehrift] 1826"
Gallery Label 
Brideboxes with this type of decoration were common in the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. They were intended for keeping wearing apparel and often were presented by a man to his intended bride as a gift to store her fragile items. (See Publications)
Provenance 
The Folk Art Collection of Elie Nadelman
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.