Charming Folk Art
“House” Painted Box
“Mary Griffin Work Box” 

Probably Northeast, ca. early to mid-19th century. Perhaps “schoolgirl” decorated.

This delightful, small paint decorated box is whimsically conceived in the form of a house, with arched mullioned windows and central door, framed on all four sides by leafy shrubs, retaining a warm patinated surface. The hinged roof, with chimney finial, lifts to reveal an interior inscribed on hide-glue attached paper “Mary Griffin Work Box”, embellished with naïve ink-drawn scenes of a house and barn, the house appearing as Federal to Greek-Revival architecture, surrounded by a picket fence. A second barn is on the extreme left.

Wear is consistent with age and use, with scattered abrasions contributing to its character. The box retains its original stop-hinges and lock.

Just about 5 ¼ inches wide x 3 ¾ deep x 3 ½ to the top of the chimney. A rare survivor of 19th-century school-girl or home craft, blending personal history, folk-art, and architectural fancy.