Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription 19th c watercolor Better in person

Better in person

though I am really not sure about the drawing

with the embroidery stitched tight to the ribbon

with a great patina and wonderfully

and everything else--it's as great tactilely as it is visually

Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription 19th c watercolor Better in personA whole lot of love and care went into the creation of this little box, from the harlequin patterning on all four sides (carved then painted rather than inlaid), to the roses and vines painted on the lid, to the turning arm with arrow pointer that would have (it no longer holds tension) made it open like a puzzle box, to the pretty fabric lining on the interior. And, finally, a handwritten inscription on the underside: "Forget me not forget me never