British/Irish Folk Art A Celtic Knotwork Oak box! HELP ID

Atlantia · 19th April 2009, 08:04 PM

Gentlemen,
I've been looking for a box to keep some of my little knives/bits n' bobs safely in, while still looking 'in keeping' with the general antiquey theme.
Well, I have been lucky enough to find this rather nice carved oak mini-coffer with beautiful deep 'celtic knot' decoration.
As you can see from the pictures it's a great size, not too big, and will look good on the sideboard! It seems to be late 19th/early 20thC simple construction, thick oak panels, heavily carved on all but the underside.
Anyway, I'm no expert on celtic knotwork and want to find out if its style and designs can be definatively attributed to Scots or Irish craftsmen?
Even Welsh (as my lovely Louise reminded me!)

The design on the lid seems to be fish or sea monsters, kelpies?

Any thoughts appreciated!

Sorry its got years of dust on it at the moment, I havent had time to clean it up.

19th April 2009, 08:04 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	British/Irish Folk Art A Celtic Knotwork Oak box! HELP ID Gentlemen, I've been looking for a box to keep some of my little knives/bits n' bobs safely in, while still looking 'in keeping' with the general antiquey theme. Well, I have been lucky enough to find this rather nice carved oak mini-coffer with beautiful deep 'celtic knot' decoration. As you can see from the pictures it's a great size, not too big, and will look good on the sideboard! It seems to be late 19th/early 20thC simple construction, thick oak panels, heavily carved on all but the underside. Anyway, I'm no expert on celtic knotwork and want to find out if its style and designs can be definatively attributed to Scots or Irish craftsmen? Even Welsh (as my lovely Louise reminded me!) The design on the lid seems to be fish or sea monsters, kelpies? Any thoughts appreciated! Sorry its got years of dust on it at the moment, I havent had time to clean it up.