I have made a number of boxes for collectors, not many of which I've photographed for some reason, even fewer of which have been captured with their sometimes very valuable contents. This one was one of a pair done for a customer to hold a collection of Arabic silver coins - as I remember from a particular very specific period of 30 years or so in the 9th century.

The box is fitted with quadrant hinges and a lock. An engraved silver plaque in the lid has Arabic text relating to the exact contents and there is a mother of pearl escutcheon.

The box is veneered with douka which has a stunning quilted/ripple figure and a lovely mid reddy-brown colour. The lid is decorated with a traditional black and white line and edged with boxwood.