Square Piano by Walter, A

Maker:
Walter, A
Year:
c.1820
Museum:
Grassi Museum für Angewandte Kunst
Date Range
1800-1850
Current Location:
[object Object]
Material:
Pearwood, Maple
Painter:
Type:
Square Piano
Key range: F–F3 (three octaves). The lower keys are covered in bone, whilst the upper keys are stained black. The instrument is crafted from polished black pear wood (imitation ebony). On the inside of the lid, within a black frame, there is a mirror edged with bronze beaded moulding; on either side of the mirror is a maple veneer, each decorated with a pyrography depicting a tambourine player. Above the strings is a removable box containing a pin cushion and a number of compartments for storing sewing accessories. The decorative moulding above the keyboard is adorned with Empire-style bronze fittings. The piano has a stringing that is partly single-row and partly (from C2 onwards) double-row, and features a German action with brass caps and a release mechanism; a felt-covered strip serves as a stopper. There is no damping mechanism.
Credit: Uni Leipzig