David W. Crothers ~ Custom Woodcarving Artisan

The following provenance was written to accompany one of the Heirloom Christening Boxes in Gallery Room II. To appreciate how the provenance enhances the box, pictures of the specific box can be viewed in its' Display Case.

The provenance is always written to the recipient of the box or plate -- even if (as was the case here) the recipient is a child incapable of reading it when the box was presented. Imagine the thrill at some distant time when, as an adult, they (or their descendents) will read and treasure the thoughts of the person(s) who had the heriloom created.

1 June, 1997

Vander Wolf LeKites:

Your grandfather and grandmother LeKites, who are good friends of mine, asked me to carve a special box that would be uniquely yours to commemorate your birth and Christening. This has become a tradition in the LeKites family each time a grandchild is Christened and I have been honored to do the carving each time.

The scrimshaw eagle was obtained by your grandfather and it was decided to make this the centerpiece of the box. The rope border was carved around the scrimshaw to act as a frame and was chosen because of the nautical background of your grandfather. The Latin saying on the top translates to "the reward of the virtue of my ancestors", which is a set of values I’m sure will be imparted to you through your parents and grandparents. The Rope border around the outside of the top represents the security of your family during those time in your life that you will find it comforting. However, as you see the rope is not continuous, and this symbolizes the time in your life when you will leave the security of your home and go off on your own (always knowing there is something to cling to never too far away).

Your name, of course, appears on the front of the box while your grandparents names and the date this was presented to you (your Christening date) are carved in script on the back panel of the box. The anchor carved on the one end panel is symbolic of the roots you will establish within your extended family. The compass rose carved on the other end panel represents the many directions available to you on your journey through life.

On the inside of the lid you will find carved the specifics of your birth date and place.

The box itself is custom made for me by a Swiss cabinetmaker living in Wisconsin and is constructed from linden wood. Linden is chosen for its ability to enhance the characteristics of the carving method by accepting fine detail and the trait of maximizing the effects of light and shadow (as you will see when the box is exposed to different light - especially when the light goes across the box and not directly down on it).

Chip carving (or kerbschnitzen as it is known in Europe) is the carving method I use and is many centuries old. It was originally used to decorate objects and utensils around the home. A single small knife is used for the entire piece. The design is drawn directly onto the wood, and the piece is then carved while holding it in my lap, without the use of straightedges or guides of any sort. Most importantly, each section of excised wood must come out cleanly in one piece on the first attempt in order to create the crisp effect of this carving method.

The lining of the box is not attached to the box in any way. It is simply a force fit which will allow you the ability to change it in the future should it become worn with age, or if you simply prefer a different color or fabric.

I hope that you will grow in time to appreciate the meaning and inspiration behind the carving, and that the box will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and fond memories. However, always keep in mind that the box is only a symbol of your real gift -- two grandparents who cared enough to bestow something that, because of their love for you, they had created to be uniquely yours.

In the distant future, perhaps you will pass the box on to someone with a note from yourself about its significance in your life.

Sincerely,
David W. Crothers