AMERICAN ORIGINALS
Country
Paint Decorated Box 

New England, probably Maine or New Hampshire, ca. 1820–1840.

A striking small box in not-often-found original salmon ground paint with black decoration, on what appears to be boxwood. The surface is untouched, complex, and completely dry, prized by country collectors. The sides are ornamented with large polka-dots framed by black borders, while the subtlety-domed lid features an exuberant crosshatched pattern in alternating salmon and black.

The color is soft for those liking calm and quiet, yet strong enough for those who seek color, it works well for both. The naïve decoration is simple yet compelling.

Never fitted with a lock, joinery by cut nails. No cracks. Wear as expected, especially back right corner. Retains original hinges. About 12 inches long x 5 ¾ tall x 6 5/8 deep. Provenance includes a long-time Maine collection.