Black & Red Painted Wooden Box

Hand-painted rectangular wooden box decorated throughout the exterior with bold abstract and geometric motifs in deep blue-black and muted terracotta red over a natural wood ground. Features a hinged lid and decorative brass-tone metal clasp and hinges. The underside is handwritten “MADE BY PAT. in Grade School.” with an additional inscription that appears to read “Pat was grandma Square (Mother-in sister),” although the exact wording of the latter inscription is difficult to decipher. The handmade construction, personal inscription, and expressive painted decoration give the piece a distinctive one-of-a-kind folk-art character.

Materials: Wood, paint, brass-tone metal hardware

Dimensions: Approximately 8 inches wide x 6 inches deep x 3 inches high

Age: Vintage; exact date unknown, likely mid-to-late 20th century

Condition: Good vintage condition with visible age-appropriate surface wear, scratches, scuffs, paint loss, and wear to the edges and corners. Metal hardware shows age-related patina. Interior has light wear from use. Please see photos for condition.

Brand/Maker: Handmade by “Pat,” according to handwritten inscription

Artist Signed: Yes – inscribed “MADE BY PAT. in Grade School” on underside

Country of Manufacture: Unknown, possibly United States

Use / Type: Keepsake Box / Trinket Box / Jewelry Box / Decorative Storage Box

Style: Folk Art / Naive Art / Mid-Century-Inspired Abstract

Production Technique: Handmade wood construction with hand-painted geometric and abstract decoration

Color: Natural brown wood, terracotta red, dark blue-black

Theme: Abstract / Geometric / Folk Art / Handmade