Knotwork box

This small but satisfying design was painted by a pupil at Kirkcaldy High School. It’s one of very few pieces in the collection that can be directly linked to Bain’s school teaching. Across the top of the lid is a knotwork design. In contrast, the sides of the lid are decorated with a key pattern.

The top is painted very cleverly, making it look like the design has been set at a lower level. This gives the impression of a frame. The choice of colours also enhances the knotwork and helps to lead the eye around the strands easily.

The design is similar to that on the back of the Nigg Stone, a cross-slab in the church at Nigg, Easter Ross. Instructions for drawing it are shown in Bain’s Methods of Construction.