Lot 6: Document Box by: Kerry Masarik, Jeff Gier, Shelly Gier, and Jamie Gier

Document boxes were a staple of every household. Compact and decorative, they offered a way to protect privacy. This item is a collaborative project by Kerry Masarik, Jeff Gier, Shelly Gier, and includes work by Jamie Gier.

It began with the concept from accomplished fiber artist Kerry Masarik of Horn and Fiber. She created printed cotton fabric using natural vegetable dyes of cutch and pomegranate.  The pattern was printed with handmade blocks, steamed to set the dyes, then rinsed using 18th-century methods. The pattern was inspired by a swatch from the Samuel Philips & Co. fabric sample book-1771.

Jeff constructed the “carcass” of the box from 1/2” pine with an applied base, as was historically found, including the dome top. He included the beveled dust rails. It is held together with square-cut nails.

Then Shelly used Kerry’s fabric to line the box. To keep in line with Kerry’s design, she used double-tanned bison leather to add a fun texture. The diamond motif of the fabric is continued with the cutout on the lid that is centered with a blond cow hair swirl and framed with scalloped leather. Also, the strap and tack design follow through on the same concept.

Going back to Jeff, he added the hand-forged handles made by his brother Jamie Gier. These were secured with pins drilled through and cleated over on the inside. Additionally, he hand-cut and fabricated the escutcheon plates for the handles, lock plate, and hasp. All of the hardware was then japanned, as was found in most surviving originals. Forged nails were used on the plates and hasp. He also added the skids on the bottom as well as a custom label.

Finally, Shelly added rosettes and straps to the interior of the lid. The box comes with a key to work the lock.

It is perfect to secure personal items, keep small items, create a kit, keep bottles, or just display.