Boldly Carved
and Painted Box  

Probably Scandinavia, possibly Germanic, dated 1751.

Until recently in a lifetime Pennsylvania collection.

Original polychrome paint on softwood with arched lid, carved on all sides with geometric and floral rosettes, compass-drawn roundels, and chip-carved borders. Original polychrome paint decoration in ochre, mustard, red, dark green, and black.

The depth and coverage of the carving is remarkable.

Likely made as a valuables or spice box, possibly a wedding or betrothal gift, reflecting the Scandinavian tradition of symbolic geometric carving and painted ornament.

About 10 inches long x 4 ¾ tall x 5 ¼ deep. Exceptional structural condition with surface wear consistent with period use. Joinery by large wooden pegs, retaining original snipe hinges. Red painted interior retains a small till.