Wonderful 19th C. Tole Painted Double Sided Book Shaped Writing Box with Ink Wells caddy For me it's all about

For me it's all about these two photos together--leading one to imagine this doggy ran back and forth over the roof of its doghouse all day long

I am no expert

which is a bit brittle

They have all my favorite playing card attributes--square corners

Sturdy and sound and with a very honest and warm feel to it

Wonderful 19th C. Tole Painted Double Sided Book Shaped Writing Box with Ink Wells caddy For me it's all aboutI feel in love with this box before I even opened it the marbled painting on the exterior, and the gold leaf of the "pages" are just gorgeous. A delight them to discover it opens on both sides, one side with a pair of ink wells fitted into square niches, and more space for pens and nibs, and the other side more shallow, for holding paper I presume. I've never seen another quite like it, second half 19th c. I believe. 9 1 4" x 4 1 8" x 1 9 16". Great