Rare subject, rare large size, this is a 14" long Black Forest hand carved (Swiss) box in exceptionally fine condition. Large enough to be a table centerpiece, it is about the size (interior) of a typical 19th century gloves box and I am sure that's what it was originally. The interior would have had a silk lining, which is no longer within. You can line or leave as is. A large hen with split tail rests atop a thick sheave of wheat, and not a single chip to distract. This dates to mid-late 1800s, is a superb carving. Still has the original working lock with original key, too.
Exceptional condition for age and type, not a single chip on all of that carving. The hen is beautifully carved in the Animalier movement, anatomically rich in her 3-dimensional sculpture. The only thing showing it's century and a half of age is the loss of the interior lining. Box is a full 14" long, and even though it's a low-profile carving, it is nearly 7" tall, closed. Rare, and just in from France.
