British/Irish Folk Art A Celtic Knotwork Oak box! HELP ID

[Atlantia]

Gentlemen,
I've been looking for a box to keep some of my little knives/bits n' bobs safely in, while still looking 'in keeping' with the general antiquey theme.
Well, I have been lucky enough to find this rather nice carved oak mini-coffer with beautiful deep 'celtic knot' decoration.
As you can see from the pictures it's a great size, not too big, and will look good on the sideboard! It seems to be late 19th/early 20thC simple construction, thick oak panels, heavily carved on all but the underside.
Anyway, I'm no expert on celtic knotwork and want to find out if its style and designs can be definatively attributed to Scots or Irish craftsmen?
Even Welsh (as my lovely Louise reminded me!)

The design on the lid seems to be fish or sea monsters, kelpies?

Any thoughts appreciated!

Sorry its got years of dust on it at the moment, I havent had time to clean it up.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/IM000056-2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/IM000057-2.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/IM000058-1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/IM000059.jpg

[VANDOO]

A BEAUTIFUL BOX AND VERY WELL CARVED, CONGRADULATIONS. MY GUT SAYS FARTHER NORTH PERHAPS NORWAY, DENMARK OR FINNLAND, JUST A GUESS ON MY PART.

[Atlantia]

A BEAUTIFUL BOX AND VERY WELL CARVED, CONGRADULATIONS. MY GUT SAYS FARTHER NORTH PERHAPS NORWAY, DENMARK OR FINNLAND, JUST A GUESS ON MY PART.


Hi Vandoo

Thanks bud! I thought the 'viking fans' might like it!
Any thoughts on naming the beasties?

Regards
Gene

[rand]

Hey Gene,

Looked through the few books I had on celtic design and could not find a similar example. Do agree with it being Celtic and 19th century or even early 20th century. Do not believe it could be a fish simply because it has ears. A seal would be a possiblity, or an imaginary sea creature. Is interesting that the side of this wooden casket almost looks like a seal frolicking in the water(my two cents).

So spill the beans, what did you put in this box?

rand

[Atlantia]

Hey Gene,

Looked through the few books I had on celtic design and could not find a similar example. Do agree with it being Celtic and 19th century or even early 20th century. Do not believe it could be a fish simply because it has ears. A seal would be a possiblity, or an imaginary sea creature. Is interesting that the side of this wooden casket almost looks like a seal frolicking in the water(my two cents).

So spill the beans, what did you put in this box?

rand


Hi Rand,

Well its still at the cleaning phase at the moment.

But its looking good! :)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1060197/IM000063.JPG

[sabertasche]

I think VANDOO has it right, I think it's Scandanavian.

G