Just my sort of thing--a special thing to begin with, made all the more special long long ago with the addition of a very folky needlepoint, secured to the top of the box. The box is c. 1820s-30s I believe, Northern European--I have had a couple similar with dome tops, quite coveted things, but have not seen a slant top example like this--painted with colorful little houses on all sides framed by trees and ground and deep blue sky. Whether it was some damage to the painting on the box lid or simply the want to further decorate it I do not know, but the needlepoint--executed in hand-dyed wool yarn on homespun cloth, and framed in decoratively hand-cut dark gray cloth (reminding me of cut paper valentines)--can't date to much later than the box itself. It looks to me one part star, one part butterfly, and all parts charm! Only one of these in the world and it makes me at super happy.
6 1/2" l x 4 1/16" w (top to bottom edge of top) x 3 1/4" tallest. Lovely antique condition, with general wear and age, all to the good I think. Wire hinges hold the top tightly. All sound and stable, not fragile.
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