Casgliadau Arlein

Carved box given as love token. It dates to around 1770-80 and originates from Port Eynon.

The carving on this small box is very shallow, showing the technique known as low relief carving. The punched background gives texture, making the pattern stand out. This box is one of a few similar known examples from the Gower peninsular, which may have been carved either by the same hand or the same workshop. The box was given as love token by the bridegroom to his bride, ‘J D’, and the motifs which include flowers, pairs of birds and a heart confirm this. It dates to around 1770-80 and originates from Port Eynon.