Some time ago I ran across a photo on the web of a beautiful lidded box with an oriental theme. I really liked the form and lid design. After a great deal of research I discovered that Matthew Hill had turned the piece in the photo. The piece really intrigued me to the point I decided to do my own version of the box. I used Matthews basic design and then expanded on the theme using my own brand and adding an oriental inspired handle to the lid. As I was sketching out some ideas, I decided to do a set of three in different sizes and shapes using the same oriental theme. The forms for the shortest chubby box and the tall box are my own designs.
The boxes are turned from maple, branded with my own pattern and dyed black. The lids are turned from bloodwood and the oriental handles are made from maple, dyed and attached with brass pins. The chubby box is 4 tall with the lid and the tall box is 7 including the lid. All are sanded and finished inside in the natural maple color. The set is titled In the Steppes of Central Asia after a classical piece of music by Alexander Borodin, a favorite of mine.
This is the first time Ive attempted turning a coordinated set of boxes. Your critiques, comments and suggestions are welcomed.
