Shadow box

Shadow box

A shadow box is an enclosed case used in dioramas with a scene or object(s), that has been specially designed to let light pass through from only one angle, so that objects within are less susceptible to damage from light.

They are typically presented to members of the military upon retirement. These shadow boxes will usually contain the various medals and awards a person has earned through a military career, the flag of both their country and military service, and their final badge of rank.

In the United States, some companies specialize in the construction and sale of shadow boxes. Price can range from just a few dollars to several hundred. People often purchase these in order to preserve, and still enjoy memorabilia. A similar case, called the "uniform display case", displays an entire uniform with correct insignia placement.

Some shadow boxes are constructed using colored paper or cardboard. They are typically given away as an interesting alternative to more standard greeting cards. Like the traditional, military shadow boxes, paper counterparts also feature some form of window or cut out to expose dioramas, illustrations or other contents within.


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  • shadow-box — ► VERB ▪ spar with an imaginary opponent as a form of training …   English terms dictionary

  • shadow box — ☆ shadow box n. a small, shallow case, usually having a glass front and hung on a wall, as for displaying small objects …   English World dictionary

  • shadow box — noun a shallow rectangular box with a transparent front used to protect and display small items (jewelry, coins, etc.) • Hypernyms: ↑box * * * noun 1. or shadow box frame …   Useful english dictionary

  • shadow-box — shadˈow box intransitive verb • • • Main Entry: ↑shadow * * * ˈshadow box [shadow box shadow boxing] verb …   Useful english dictionary

  • shadow box — a shallow, rectangular frame fronted with a glass panel, used to show and at the same time protect items on display, as paintings, coins, or jewelry. Also called shadow box frame. [1905 10] * * * …   Universalium

  • shadow box —    A frame that is deep enough to accomodate a three dimensional object, deeper than frames needed for two dimensional works, or for three dimensional ones that are very shallow. Typically shadow box is faced with transparent glass, Plexiglas,… …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • shadow box frame — noun see shadow box 1 …   Useful english dictionary

  • shadow-box — /ˈʃædoʊ bɒks/ (say shadoh boks) verb (i) to box with an imaginary opponent, as for exercise. –shadow boxing, noun –shadow boxer, noun …  

  • shadow-box — 1. noun a diorama 2. verb to practice moves where the opponent is the boxers own shadow …   Wiktionary

  • shadow box — shad′ow box n. a rectangular frame fronted with a glass panel, used to show and protect items on display • Etymology: 1905–10 …   From formal English to slang

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