Object Description
A well carved tramp art lidded casket of angular form, raised on four square squat feet. The interior of the hinged lid has a coloured paper card with a hand holding a rose, titled ‘Meine Besten Wunche’ (my best wishes), surrounded by a decorative border conforming to the papered interior. It has a dark colour and retains a patination.
American tramp art were items whittled into geometric shapes and other forms, believed to be carved by skilled German or Scandinavian immigrants, from old cedar cigar boxes or produce crates. They travelled the country selling or trading their wares. It was popular between 1870-1940, then the art form started to decline.