Definition

• Boxwood.  A hard, fine-grained wood, from the box tree (Buxus Sempervirens), especially adaptable to carving and inlay work. Because of its close and equal grain, of bright, yellow color, it was widely used in woodcuts for printing. Models made of boxwood in the 16th and 17th centuries (German states) intended as models for medals were called stechstein. Sculptors' tools, boasters and burnishers, have been made of boxwood.

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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