Jewelry Box

Made entirely of American maple, this jewelry box comes from a set consisting of a bed with half-tester, dressing table, chest of drawers, chiffonnier, and a table. Each piece is decorated with elements which are elaborately turned to resemble oriental bamboo.

While faux bamboo furniture was made in several locales, the center of production in this country was New York City between 1880 and 1910. Numerous details on the Dallas Museum of Art's suite suggests that it was made by R. J. Horner who specialized in this type of furniture. An identical chiffonnier with Horner's label is known. Apparently the Ferris family of Dallas, who had made its fortune in banking, purchased this set in New York around 1890 and had it shipped to Dallas. When Royal A. Ferris acquired Dallas's largest mansion, Ivy Hall, on Maple Avenue in 1900, he and his wife furnished the master bedroom in the Japanese taste using this suite as the focal point.