Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription heavenly light such beauties

such beauties

7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 1 3/8" deep and in very good condition

and all the paint still well in tact

--but have learned a bit about him since

though the inside of the basket shows the color was once much more intense

Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription heavenly light such beautiesA 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