Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot Figures measure approx 2" t

Figures measure approx 2" t

due to the way that green has aged to radiant painterly perfection

how the top of her parasol is not painted at all

though I can't say for certain

I've been eyeing antique pin cushions lately where someone's name or a message was painstakingly spelled out in pins

Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black ceramic slab pot Figures measure approx 2" tTo my eye quite a beautiful antique primitive box, early 19th century or so, I presume, with wire hinges and original latch, which has clearly been latched many times as it has traced a a perfect arc on the lid following its trail. Both short ends are stencil painted "black" perhaps indicating it once held black tea? (I first though perhaps boot black, but the interior is clean, so think tea might make more sense, or something else entirely? With the