Dresser Box with Exuberant Folk Art Paint Decoration

Circa 1840-1860: Measuring 4.5"H x 10"W x 5.5"D, this wonderful poplar dresser box from the Marshall Goodman collection was, because of its incredibly exuberant decoration and use of multiple techniques and motifs, most probably painted in the second quarter of the 19th century at a schoolgirl academy. The box would be beautiful enough by itself if it were covered in its faux tortoise shell ground alone, but the top and sides are decorated with vining rose of sharon motifs (popular on applique quilts made in the mid 19th century) and bordered with red, green, and gold pinstriping while the front of the box shows a gold painted central shell motif which serves as a "pot" for a pair of vining morning glories. The back of the box is presented in its tortoise shell ground without the fancy painted motifs. The box also features tiny hand cut brad construction and has its original hinges and lock mechanism, though no key is present. This is a terrific example of 19th century American schoolgirl folk art.