Small Painted Box in Remarkable Deep, Rich, BLUE

New England, ca. 1820-1840.  
Original paint and over-varnish on basswood and maple. I don’t recall seeing another early box with such a deep, dark, saturated blue decorated over a lighter blue for contrast to the sponge decoration, the paint on all four sides and top. Retains original hinges, dust liner, and lock/escutcheon. Superb condition. Small size of about 13 inches wide x 8 deep x 6 ½ tall.

Stable blue-pigments were scarce in this period, let alone one with such intense color, perhaps from indigo.

Provenance: The Michael Schnall collection of exceptional American folk art; Sam Forsythe; private Ohio collection.