Charmer of a Old Folk Art Box with Carved Cat on Top and Figures at Corners mid-century modern November 12

November 12

This I found in mid coast Maine

or whether it was made by

Great old red paint on the lid

I can't get enough of these old painted wooden cutouts--I just love the combination of graphic silhouette and weathered surface

Charmer of a Old Folk Art Box with Carved Cat on Top and Figures at Corners mid-century modern November 12The cat (lioness?) carved atop this box sold me on it at once, then I noticed the carved figural columns at the front corners icing on top! (or icing on the corners, as the case may be!) As folky as it gets, total delight. Looks like there was once an escutcheon plate over the keyhole at front, long gone, as is the key that might have locked it, but seems this lounging feline is poised to pounce on an intruder as needed! American, c. 1920s 40s I would