Bottle-Form Treen Box 

American or English, ca. mid-19th century.

Turned hardwood with original black paint and varnish surface. Cleverly made in the form of a wine or spirits bottle, the upper section lifting free as the lid to reveal a hollow interior. Possibly analogous to “book boxes” which were often made to conceal contents, this bottle-box would have hidden amongst glass bottles. Or perhaps it was just a fun whimsy yet with practical use.

Beautifully proportioned with untouched surface and traces of a red faux wax seal to the shoulder. The little faux seal further transforms the box into something playful and deceptive. About 7 ¾ inches tall.