Menthols Forever, Vintage Folk Art Cigarette Pack Wreath antique wooden object Late 19th/very early 20th century

Late 19th/very early 20th century I believe and very finely done

carved from one piece of wood

I found this piece at the estate sale at the home and studio of an artist in Wellesley

or maybe a hair album--or maybe Clara was just stashing away her own hair in this basket

and of course I am always thrilled to find little drawings like this

Menthols Forever, Vintage Folk Art Cigarette Pack Wreath antique wooden object Late 19th/very early 20th centuryI believe the cigarette packs intricately folded to make this tramp art prison art wreath were Salem's, which bore the phrase "menthol flavor," visible here as they form the white perimeter stripe. Whether or not the current administration with follow through on banning menthols is unknown, but whatever the case certainly a folk creation of a lost era. Probably made as a garland of sorts for an ashtray set in the middle, but rather festive as a minty