Handmade Walnut Cherry Jewelry Box Solid Wood outlet Removable Tray 'Bolstad'

Rectangular jewelry box in black walnut with contrasting cherry sides. The box features a removable tray and a large, divided compartment below. The lower part has 2 large and 2 medium sized sections. The upper tray has 9 ring-sized sections and one large section. Both levels are lined in thick, burgundy velvet. The main box and lid feature locking rabbet joints in the corners, with all rounded edges. The tray has deceptively simple box joints with chamfered, demi-bullnose edges. The edge-grain of the walnut contrasts with the face-grain providing additional visual interest in the corners and at the dado of the central division. The box has no nails, stain or varnish which celebrates the beauty of the hardwoods. It's finished simply and elegantly- just sanded smooth and oiled. The hardware is all brass, the hinges slide into the box and are hidden when the lid is closed. There is a simple lid stay which supports the box when it's open.

The box is signed ‘Bolstad' and was designed and made by the husband-and-wife team, Bill and Nan Bolstad. Bill has been making and selling his wooden designs for 50 years. He grew up in northwestern Montana, and spent summers working for his father as a carpenter. He pursued a degree in industrial arts with an emphasis in wood from Montana State University then went on to receive a M.S. in Industrial Education from Iowa State University. He taught school for nine years before turning to woodworking full time. Bill and Nan Bolstad are known for the fine craftsmanship displayed in each piece as well as the sophisticated shapes of the boxes and tables they design. Each piece is designed to be functional as well as beautiful, with tight fitting joints, finely surface sanded, and hand finished and polished. The Bolstad's home and studio is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, in Talbot, outlet Oregon.

Condition is good, with no scratches, mars or other damage. There is some wear, especially to the velvet, consistent with age and use. There is a small crack in the bottom-left corner, but it does not effect the stability of the box. See photos.