Colorful Diminutive
Paint Decorated Oval Box
with Foliate Decoration

Northeast, likely Pennsylvania, ca. 1820-1850.

Original very dry paint. Ash sidewall on the lid, probably maple on the body, with pine top and bottom; glue joinery. This delicate little box is ornamented on all sides and across the lid with delicate foliate sprigs painted in green, cream, and pale yellow, enlivened by white and black dotted flourishes, all on a bittersweet ground.

The decoration has a light, spontaneous quality particularly appealing in combination with the box’s diminutive scale.

Measuring just 3¾ inches long, it was likely intended to hold a small personal possession or keepsake. Excellent condition, retaining its original dry painted surface, with expected minor wear and an old stain on the lid. From a fine private Northeast collection.